Scarborough MP Welcomes Town Centre Rejuvenation Work

Work to rejuvenate Scarborough town centre has been welcomed by the town's MP.

Alison Hume says she has been actively advocating for the town's improvement and views the commencement of improvement works on Huntriss Row as a vital step towards revitalising the local economy and enhancing the experience for residents and visitors alike.

Ms Hume reflected on her personal commitment to seeing the area improved, noting the impact that empty shopfronts had previously had on the community's spirit. She expressed her satisfaction that the planned improvements are now moving forward in collaboration with North Yorkshire Council.

"Last year after I walked down Huntress Row, I took pictures of the I think seven or eight shops that were closed up and felt really depressed. So, I've been working with North Yorkshire Council to get them to move on on those works and they're called public realm works and they they were scheduled for this quarter. So, I'm absolutely celebrating that that works underway.

And of course with the pride in place, one of the projects that we're looking at is sprucing up Scarborough. If that gets funding then people will see a real deal. difference.

I think Scarborough is a wonderful town and it really does need a bit of love."

The rejuvenation of Huntriss Row is part of a broader vision for the town, which includes the significant Station Gateway project. This initiative aims to create a more welcoming arrival and civic space, supporting the town's environmental and sustainability objectives. Ms Hume highlighted the refurbishment of Scarborough railway station as a particularly positive development, noting its role as a key entrance point to the Yorkshire Coast.

"I am so excited about the revamp at Scarborough Station because I think when you see how sensitively the roof has been renovated and you've probably seen the photos of the clock tower, it's going to be sensational. And when you get off a train and see all of that, that's really going to sort of like, yeah, I've arrived in Scarborough.

Then you step out and hopefully, you know, there'll be some works around the front which will improve the access. You're looking at the Stephen Joseph Theatre, which is a fantastic art deco building and the lovely mural.

And when the sun's shining, what better gateway to Scarborough than that?"

A year-long restoration of Scarborough station is almost complete. The £14m works have focused on essential structural repairs, including a new roof and drainage systems, while carefully preserving the unique historical character of the Grade II-listed building.

The project, which saw full restoration work begin in spring 2025 following a glazing failure in 2021.

The £14 million upgrade includes a new roof, drainage systems, restored stonework and refurbished waiting room and ticket office.

A Railway Heritage Trust grant of £203,000 has allowed for the restoration of the clocktower as an additional benefit while the scaffolding is in place.

The main trainshed roof has already been repaired and repainted, and a new lighting system has been installed to improve the passenger environment.

The station refurbishment project is on track to be finished this month.

Separately the Station Gateway project is being delivered in phases, with Phase 1A focusing on the immediate public realm outside the station. According to North Yorkshire Council, these improvements include:

• A new pedestrian plaza with fresh landscaping and street furniture.
• Improved disabled parking and a reconfigured taxi rank.
• Enhanced pedestrian crossings and the removal of traffic islands to declutter the Westborough and Valley Bridge Road junction.

The project is funded through the Local Regeneration Fund, with £6.68 million allocated by the Government. Councillor Mark Crane, North Yorkshire Council's executive member for open to business, stated that the ambition is to use this funding to inspire future investment and ensure Scarborough remains a vibrant place to live and visit.

The revised plans, developed by Align Property Partners, have been resubmitted to the council's planning department for consideration. It is hoped that this first phase will act as a catalyst for further regeneration throughout the town.

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