The year-long restoration of Scarborough station is entering its final phase.
Originally triggered by a glazing failure in 2021, the £14 million project has evolved into a comprehensive overhaul of the Grade II-listed building. The works have successfully balanced modern infrastructure requirements with the preservation of the station’s unique Victorian character.
While the primary focus was the installation of a high-performance new roof and advanced drainage systems, the project has expanded to deliver several "bonus" benefits for passengers:
- Clocktower Restoration: Supported by a £203,000 grant from the Railway Heritage Trust, the iconic clocktower has been fully restored while scaffolding was already on-site.
- Passenger Comfort: A full refurbishment of the ticket office and waiting room is underway to modernise the commuter experience.
- Heritage Preservation: Specialist stonework restoration has ensured the station's historic facade remains intact for future generations.
Restoring a coastal station presents unique challenges. To ensure the building survives the harsh North Sea environment, teams used specific salt-resistant paints, timbers, and tiles.
In a more unusual move last summer, trained hawks were deployed as a natural deterrent to prevent seagulls from nesting in the roof space, ensuring work could continue without disrupting local wildlife or the project timeline.
Despite the massive scale of the engineering work, the station has remained open to the public throughout the process. Following the initial safety measures in 2021 and the commencement of full restoration in Spring 2025, the project is now delivering a transport hub that is both a functional gateway to the coast and a preserved piece of railway history.
Image credit: Network Rail
Video credit: Network Rail
