Toilets and pub to be transformed into art hubs
The buildings in St Helen's Square have been earmarked for demolition
- Published
Demolition-threatened derelict buildings in a North Yorkshire seaside town, including several former public toilets, are to be transformed into arts spaces.
The vacant units in Scarborough's Old Town would be converted into what Scarborough Studios CIO described as "vibrant galleries and art studios".
Leases had been secured for the former Shakespeare pub, the neighbouring newsagents and three former coin-operated toilets, the arts organisation said.
It said it hoped to turn the "town centre eyesores" into cultural hubs.
Project manager Andrew Aldis told the BBC that the properties in St Helen's Square had previously been earmarked to be knocked down.
"When the big concrete monstrosity that is the Argos building comes down, this will come down too," he said, referring to the Shakespeare pub.
"The council had bought them all up, but we approached them and said we could use them until they're demolished."
Mr Aldis said the organisation had leased the properties, as well as paying for them to be rewired, for the "amazing" project.
Scarborough Studios have leased a block of public toilets to be turned into "Scarborough Bogs"
As well as exhibition space, flats above the former shops would be made available as affordable art studios for about 12 artists, he said.
In a nod to the town's seaside postcard traditions, Scarborough Studios had leased a block of public toilets to be turned into "Scarborough Bogs", Mr Aldis added.
They would provide installation space for artists' work and offer a "unique viewing experience".
"Artists constantly seek spaces where they can freely express themselves - spaces that are affordable and situated near other like-minded creatives," he said.
"That's exactly what we're providing."
Mr Aldis said Scarborough was home to a "wealth of artistic talent" waiting to be recognised.
"We might even christen it Scarborough's new Arts Quarter," he said.
The organisation hoped to open the space in time for Scarborough Art, which is a new festival event starting on 15 June.
"We’ll be working every day, so if you’re interested in helping with painting or cleaning, please get in touch," Mr Aldis said.
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