The programme responds to public feedback about:
- tired frontages
- vacant units
- run-down streets
- parts of the town centre that feel unwelcoming
The aim is to support visible, lasting improvements that build confidence for residents, businesses and visitors.
How improvements are made
Sprucing Up Scarborough brings together projects and tools.
Projects guide physical improvements to the town centre, including:
- the look and quality of buildings
- shopfronts and frontages
- routes and connections
- streets and public spaces
Tools help address barriers to improvement, including long-term vacant buildings that are harder to bring back into use.
Public events
We are having an in-person engagement session on 6 May 2026 at Scarborough Library between 10am and 1pm.
Join us at:
Scarborough Library
Vernon Road
Scarborough
YO11 2NN
Projects
Town Centre Design Guide
The Town Centre Design Guide sets a clear standard for high-quality, consistent improvements that respect Scarborough’s character and heritage.
It is intended for:
- property owners
- businesses
- project teams
- anyone involved in shopfront or building improvements
Tools
High Street Rental Auction (HSRA)
HSRA is a legal tool that can be used to help bring long-term vacant commercial units back into use.
We will always seek to work with landlords first. Auctions are a last resort.
Ownership of the property does not change - HSRA secures a tenancy to help get a unit back into use.
The HSRA process
In simple terms, we may:
- identify an area where HSRA powers could apply
- check whether properties meet legal and vacancy tests
- confirm whether a property has been vacant for long enough
- assess whether bringing it back into use would benefit the area
- engage with the landlord to encourage a voluntary solution where possible
- serve notices and prepare an auction process if required
- auction a lease to a new tenant on the landlord’s behalf
Why HSRA is used
Government guidance on HSRAs shows that they can help start engagement with landlords.
In some cases, the existence of the power encourages landlords or agents to market a property, carry out improvements or resolve issues preventing re-use before any auction is needed.
Timeline
The current indicative timeline for the Scarborough HSRA pilot is:
- Boundary designation engagement: April to May 2026
- Main HSRA process: May to December 2026
- Evaluation of results: January to March 2027
Take part in the HSRA survey running until 19 May 2026.