PLANS have been unveiled for a £2.8m programme of work at one of North Yorkshire's top attractions.

Improvements are scheduled for the grade II-listed Spa Complex, by the seafront in Scarborough.

The full proposals will go before councillors in the resort next week and will take three years to complete.

In addition to preserving many of the existing features, the work will provide new attractions for conference, entertainment and arts event organisers. It will also improve disabled access throughout the building.

Also proposed are improvements to lighting in the main rooms.

The work will provide specialist sound equipment for conferences and entertainment events.

Heating and ventilation systems will be upgraded, air conditioning will be added to the Promenade Lounge and Ocean Room and more lifts and stairlifts will be installed.

The borough council cabinet member for tourism, Councillor David Jeffels, said: "The work proposed is necessary, not only to maintain the bricks and mortar of the building and prevent irreversible loss, but to greatly enhance the facilities on offer.

"It will raise standards and ensure that the Spa Complex continues to be a top choice for conference and entertainment businesses and a popular tourist attraction."

It is believed the refurbishment proposals will increase attendance at the Spa by 20 per cent, which would halve the running costs for the complex by 2008/09.