News Archive
Scarborough’s jail to be turned into a hotel?
09th Nov 2009
The Daily Mail has reported that tourists visiting Scarborough could soon be spending a night in the clanger if a planned new development goes ahead to convert the historic Dean Road jail into a luxury hotel.
Opened in 1866 the jail, located in the centre of the town, could soon be accepting a very different type of guest. However there are mixed views about this development as concerns have been raised over the possible conversion of the historic Grade II listed building.
Adrian Perry, who is the chairman of Scarborough Civic Society, said:
‘It is a worry that somebody could come in and want to knock it down. We are completely opposed to the idea of the jail being lost to Scarborough.'
Various options are being looked at as possible uses for the building including a hotel or a new tourist attraction. The whole idea is to keep the building as it is as it is such an important part of Scarborough’s heritage.
Over the years Scarborough’s prison has featured on a number of TV programmes, including the reality show Banged Up, which starred former Home Secretary David Blunkett. As part of the show he acted as head of a ‘parole board’ in what was a mock-up prison scenario.
Whether the prison becomes another hotel in Scarborough or a tourist attraction it is hoped that the development will increase the existing tourism trade within the coastal town.
