The painstaking restoration of Scarborough station’s historic clocktower has been completed, marking a major milestone in the wider £14 million upgrade of the Grade II‑listed building. The investment, delivered by Network Rail, preserves the station’s architectural heritage while improving passenger experience and operational resilience.
As part of the programme, the station’s roof, drainage systems and stonework have undergone extensive refurbishment. The waiting room and ticket office are also being revamped—work that has continued seamlessly while the station remained open throughout the year‑long project.
A £203,000 Railway Heritage Trust grant enabled Network Rail to restore the clocktower simultaneously with the core works, taking advantage of existing scaffolding and site infrastructure. Each of the tower’s four clock faces has been individually repaired and restored, forming what project leaders describe as the “crowning glory” of the redevelopment.
The main structural works remain on schedule for completion by the end of March, but teams will continue on site slightly longer due to the controlled removal of asbestos discovered in the social club, ticket office and café areas. Removal is expected to continue until the end of June, after which the site compound will be dismantled. The station’s social club and ticket office remain fully operational, while the café is set to close temporarily from 30 March for up to three weeks.
Ann Shannon, Network Rail scheme project manager, said:
“Our project at Scarborough station is in its final stages, and thanks to the Railway Heritage Trust grant for the clocktower restoration, we’ve been able to deliver more benefits than originally planned.
“The main project is on track for completion as planned this month, but some of our colleagues will be working at the station for slightly longer because of the asbestos we’ve recently identified. We’re grateful for everyone’s patience and understanding while we address this safely and responsibly.”
Roof repairs were initiated following a glazing failure in 2021. Once funding challenges were resolved, the full restoration began in spring 2025. Scarborough’s coastal location has also shaped engineering decisions—hawks were deployed last summer to deter seagulls nesting during the major roof works, and specialist tiles, timber and paint have been selected to withstand the salt‑heavy sea air.
Image and video credits: Network Rail
