News Archive
Scarborough - Champions of Europe!
14th May 2009
Last night, at the European Enterprise Awards, the North Yorkshire coastal resort of Scarborough became Champions of Europe.
In a dramatic triumph, Scarborough was crowned as the most enterprising town in Europe.
The prestigious accolade, awarded by the European Commission, was made in the Grand Hall of the Zofin Palace in Prague shortly before midnight.
The judges of the awards were impressed with the town’s regeneration, which has included a £4m facelift given to The Rotunda Museum on Scarborough’s South Bay and the £4.8million Woodend Creative Workspace.
The Most Enterprising Town award was the final announcement of the evening and the seaside town were made champions of Europe infront of a packed crowd of nearly 400 people.
Gunter Verheugen, who is the European Commission vice-president, said:
“There were 350 entries at national level with 47 countries represented at European level. They are a model for others. The event is to exchange best practice and to learn from each other “
Scarborough councillor and former mayor Derek Bastiman accepted the huge glass trophy and said:
“I am immensely proud of my town, where I have lived all my life. It is a place very dear to my heart. It is a town I would encourage you all to visit. So many people have contributed to this success.”
The judges said they were also impressed with the revamp of Scarborough’s harbour and that this would not only create new jobs in the North Yorkshire town but would also increase visitor numbers to Scarborough hotels and the various local attractions.
In being crowned Most Enterprising Town in Europe at last night’s awards ceremony and for being short listed for the Great Town Award by the Academy of Urbanism, the profile of Scarborough has increased dramatically over the last couple of months.
