Walkway underneath seaside resort’s historic cliff railway to be re-opened

A LONG-FORGOTTEN tunnel walkway underneath Scarborough’s historic ‘Spa cliff lift’ funicular railway is set to re-open.

Scarborough Council commissioned plans as part of a proposed Heritage Lottery-funded South Cliff Gardens project, to bring the area back to its glory days.

The South Cliff Gardens project is currently going through the bidding process with the Heritage Lottery Fund, with £5m proposed to secure the future of the gardens.

Southern Green, which has been appointed by the authority to oversee the project, submitted a listed building planning application to re-open the tunnel under the Grade II listed cliff railway. Scarborough Council’s planning and development committee yesterday unanimously approved the plans.

The supporting document from Southern Green stated: “The cliff lift or funicular railway provided a vital link between the hotels and boarding houses at the top, to the promenade, Spa, bathing machines and beach huts below. It was designed by William Lucas and built by Crossley Brothers of Manchester in 1875.

“The railway set a trend which was taken up at many English resorts.

“The Cliff Railway is thought to be the earliest example designed for passengers in England and is of considerable evidential, historical and technological interest.”

A decision on the Heritage Lottery bid is expected shortly.