The new green tranquillity above the golden sands and blue waves

Adrian Perry of the Friends of South Cliff Gardens and of Scarborough & District Civic Society talks here about huge transformation of the gardens – and how the Victorian-Edwardian Rose Garden and the Italian Gardens have been brilliantly restored as part of a multi-million pound project.

The re-development of the South Cliff Gardens in Scarborough began with the removal of self-seeded trees which had obscured picturesque views of the sea and the beauty of the gardens.

The new more welcoming and open environment for visitors and residents has seen new tree planting in suitable areas and a step-free route through the gardens with new pathways.

When the Friends of South Cliff Gardens group was formed in 2006 one of our aims was to try to get the gardens improved.

The 52-acre cliffside garden was more than 100 years old but was in a very poor state.

Working with Scarborough Council, the Friends group obtained external funding and tac kled issues one at a time – and made people more aware of the wonderful assets.

The big break through came in 2012 when the Spa Cliff Stabilisation project was being discussed. We asked the council to consider linking that project with a £5m bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund to restore the rest of the garden areas.

We highlighted the key points:

Why the gardens are important …

The gardens are on the Historic England The new register of historic parks and are the setting for the Spa complex and South Bay promenade.

The gardens and the Cliff Lift (1857, the oldest in the country) are a link to the South Cliff visitor accommodation, the Spa and the beach.

They provide breathing spaces for quiet recreation, reflection - and memories for many thousands of residents and visitors – as well as being a vital part of coastal sea defences.

New features also include a children’s playground - which is already attracting more families to visit the gardens and there is a breathtaking wildflower display.

A new activity centre “Beeforth’s Hive” is also a great resource.

What was needed …

Major restoration of paths, shelters, railings and drainage and management of scrub and trees for opening up the panorama.

Repair and restoration of the Italian Garden, Rose Garden and areas behind the Spa.

Redesign of the Spa Gardens in conjunction with the coastal defence scheme.

New uses for neglected spacesresulting in the Community Hub for use by groups, toilets and opening the attractive passage under the Cliff Lift.

New planting and a maintenance plan, with training for staff and volunteers.

How this could be achieved …

We needed a management and maintenance strategy - this was a “once in a lifetime” opportunity.

The vision was ambitious and required major capital for which we are looked primarily to the Heritage Lottery Fund.

When we started out in 2006, we couldn’t have dreamed that we would be able to have our gardens looking so good.

The standard of work is very high and should mean that it will be easier to maintain for many years to come so that we can all delight in our gardens.

Following the success of redevelopment in Peasholm Park, Pannett Park and Royal Albert Park, we knew it could be achieved in partnership with the council.

A part of the process was to raise funds to demonstrate the support of the community. With the whole-hearted help of South Cliff Community Group, more than £100,000 was donated. In 2019 the council was awarded almost £5m.

This has been a story of the community and council working together to ensure that Scarborough retains and values the best of Scarborough’s past and is in good shape for the future. It was a long journey, finally completed this year - and the results are very rewarding.