Projects

Betton Farm

Completed: 2026
Location: Scarborough
Region: Yorkshire & The Humber
Other local partners: York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, EJOT, Dulux, Kingspan

About the project

Betton Farm, Scarborough is a community farm and visitor space where families can interact with animals, enjoy outdoor play areas, and spend time together.

The site also provides valuable work experience opportunities for people with learning disabilities, helping to build skills, confidence and independence through hands-on roles – including within the workshop barn space that was the focus of this project.

The project is part of our wider Community Retrofit Demonstrator programme, funded by the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority through the Carbon Negative Challenge Fund to deliver 8 Community Retrofit Demonstrator projects across North Yorkshire in 2026 and 2027.

The project:

At the workshop barn, VIY delivered a series of retrofit improvements to make the space warmer, more energy efficient and easier to use year-round.

Key works included:

  • Roof insulation improvements to reduce heat loss
  • Thermal upgrades to improve energy efficiency and lower running costs
  • Internal refurbishment to improve workflow, comfort and usability

Together, these improvements have created a warmer, more efficient and more welcoming space for future use.

The young people:

20 young people took part in the Betton Farm project, referred by North Yorkshire Council, Scarborough TEC, Supporting Choice and the Youth Justice Service.

They gained hands-on experience in retrofit and construction skills, including insulation work, while working towards City & Guilds and NOCN accreditations.

Community engagement

As part of the wider programme, a community open day was also held at Betton Farm, welcoming 59 attendees including local residents, partners and industry guests. People took part in tours, discussions and a retrofit survey, with most saying they left feeling more informed about retrofit and its benefits. It was a really positive sign of growing interest and understanding around greener buildings.

➡️ If you’d like to find out more or talk about working with VIY on retrofit, get it touch with our Retrofit and Green Skills Director at tom@teamviy.com.