Scarborough Borough Council (SBC) has announced that the first phase of a £6.5m project to redevelop the resort's Spa complex has been completed.

A new stage area and stage lift have been installed, while work is also being finalised on new offices for the venue's staff members in the converted caretaker's cottage. A conference meeting room has been created as part of the project, while the external façade of the historic Spa has been retained.

SBC's Derek Bastiman, chair of the Spa project board, said: "In any re-development project of this scale, which involves a vast amount of complex construction work, it is always rewarding to see the first part completed. "The new stage facilities will be the focal point of the Grand Hall when it is finished later this year and both customers and staff will benefit from the new office facilities."

The scheme is due for completion in May.