Newby and Scalby Community Hall near Scarborough is set for an exciting transformation into a ‘vibrant and inclusive community hub’ after the owners of Wilsons Food Hall won a tender to acquire the building.

Louise and Adrian Wilson, who run award-winning Wilsons Food Hall in the nearby village of Seamer, plan to turn the building into Wilsons Food & Community Hall, a go-to destination for all ages, backgrounds and abilities.

They recently won the tender to acquire the community hall, which dates from 1922, from the Newby and Scalby Community Hall Trust.

A proud Scarborian, Adrian said: “We are delighted to have successfully won the bid and tender to purchase the Newby and Scalby Community Hall (Subject To Contract).

“The Trust have been very clear in their requirements to make sure that the village hall continues to be a go-to community destination fit for the future, accommodating as many community-based activities as possible.

“We are excited to become the new owners of this historic local building. Our vision is to create a vibrant and inclusive community hub while continuing the hall’s legacy as a space for local clubs, activities and social engagement.”

The 4,000 sp ft hall, located in the affluent village of Scalby, was previously run by Scarborough Borough Council before ownership was transferred to the Trust.

The building was put out to tender earlier this year. The Trust stated that preference would be given to buyers committed to maintaining the building's legacy and provide ongoing community benefit.

The community hall is Louise and Adrian’s second business in the area. They opened Wilsons Food Hall in November 2024, which has rapidly become one of the Yorkshire coast’s standout success stories.

Wilsons is a popular all-day bistro combining a café, deli, wine bar, bakery, takeaway and community hub, which champions local and regional independent producers. Central to its success is its team of 27 staff, aged from 14 to over 70.

Louise and Adrian, who have two young sons, are proud of creating opportunities for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. They describe Wilsons as a place to eat, meet and connect. Locals call it ‘the beating heart of Seamer’ - a reflection of its warm atmosphere and strong community focus.

Wilsons Food Hall was also recently crowned best Start Up Business at the prestigious FSB and HSBC Small Business Growth Awards for Yorkshire, The Humber and the North East.

Louise said: “We’re passionate about creating strong community spaces that people can feel proud of. Wilsons Food Hall is highly valued by local residents – and we want to replicate that in Scalby.

“Our vision is to expand even further our involvement within the community, and learn from all the engaging and supporting activities and projects already implemented within the Seamer village and its surroundings.

“The hall will continue to serve as a base for local clubs while also hosting food-related events, community meals, educational workshops and social gatherings. And we want to improve and upgrade the facilities of the hall to provide showering and washing facilities for local sports clubs, such as the local Scalby tennis and bowls clubs, giving them a provision similar to that of a clubhouse.”

Other possible additions include a café, local food initiatives and small-scale commercial opportunities that fund community activities.

Adrian added: “We want to build on our success with Wilsons Food Hall, where we’ve created a safe, welcoming space for the community to work, rest, relax, socialise and catch up.

“Our aim is for Wilsons Food & Community Hall to be a go-to destination for the village, offering a mix of sport, recreational activities, crafts, fairs and entertainment featuring singers and pianists, and opportunities for private celebrations, like birthdays, baby showers and group meetings.”

Adrian and Louise are holding a meeting where residents can ask questions in Newby and Scalby Community Hall on Thursday, 25th June from 2pm to 5.30pm.

“We encourage residents to come to the event to meet us,” said Louise. “We’re here to listen to your ideas and discuss any worries, and we’d love to share our vision. We’re looking forward to making the hall a thriving and welcoming hub for everyone in the village.”