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.
Projects
McBean apartments mural commission
Location: McBean apartments (View location on what3words)
Commission budget: Up to £17,500
Theme: Scarborough 400
Submission deadline: Sunday 16 August 2026 at 11.59pm
Call for artists
We are inviting proposals from visual artists to create a landmark public art mural at McBean Apartments, St Nicholas Cliff, Scarborough.
Part of the Sprucing Up Scarborough project, this commission will see a prominent town centre elevation transformed into a vibrant and lasting piece of public art. The mural will also form part of Scarborough 400, celebrating 400 years since the discovery of Scarborough's Spa Waters.
Artists are invited to develop an original design that responds creatively to the Scarborough 400 theme while reflecting Scarborough’s history, character and sense of place. We are looking for a high-quality, engaging artwork that celebrates the town and creates a positive visual impact for residents and visitors.
This commission presents an opportunity to create a highly visible public artwork in a key location overlooking St Nicholas Cliff and close to Scarborough's seafront. The successful proposal will contribute to wider improvements taking place across the town centre and become part of Scarborough's cultural landscape.
Applications are welcome from artists across the UK. We are particularly keen to hear from artists who are based in, work in, or have connections to the North Yorkshire Coast.
Submit your proposal
Artists wishing to submit a proposal should review the artist brief for full details of the commission, eligibility requirements and submission criteria.
The deadline for submission is Sunday 16 August 2026 at 11.59pm.
Please send your submissions to Regeneration.North-East@northyorks.gov.uk with the subject line: McBean apartments mural submission.
Download the artist brief and submission template below:
McBean apartments mural artist brief (pdf / 1 MB)
Artist submission template (docx / 46 KB)
Please note that use of this template is optional and submissions in alternative formats will also be accepted.
Further information
If you have any further questions or access needs, please contact Laurie Wilsher by emailing Regeneration.North-East@northyorks.gov.uk.
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
The guide is currently being developed and will be available in late 2026.
Tools
High Street Rental Auction
High Street Rental Auction 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 - High Street Rental Auction secures a tenancy to help get a unit back into use.
Following the consultation, we are finalising and confirming the proposed town centre boundary for the High Street Rental Auction pilot.
We will continue to update this page throughout the process.
The High Street Rental Auction process
In simple terms, once finalised we may:
- identify an area where High Street Rental Auction 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 High Street Rental Auction is used
Government guidance on High Street Rental Auctions 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 High Street Rental Auction pilot is:
- boundary designation engagement: April to May 2026
- confirming the boundary for the High Street Rental Auction pilot: June 2026
- main High Street Rental Auction process: May to December 2026
- evaluation of results: January to March 2027
Find the draft High Street Rental Auction map here (pdf / 5 MB).
Results of the consultation
We received 172 responses. Overall, there was strong support for the proposed area, with 81% of respondents agreeing that this was the right place to focus this support. A further 10% neither agreed nor disagreed while 9% disagreed.
Some respondents suggested that the boundary could be extended to include nearby areas such as Victoria Road, Dean Road, North Marine Road, Ramshill Road and the foreshore. Others raised wider points about vacancy, rents, business rates, parking and the role of landlords and the council.
Taking this feedback into account, we are confirming the proposed town centre boundary for the High Street Rental Auction pilot. This reflects the strong level of support and ensures that the programme remains focused on the areas of the greatest need and opportunity.
We will now move to the next stage of the pilot, which includes gathering further evidence, working with property owners and progressing the statutory High Street Rental Auction process where appropriate.
Being within the boundary does not mean that any individual property will automatically be subject to further action. The council will continue to work with property owners wherever possible, with High Street Rental Auction only used where the relevant legal criteria are met.