Huntriss Row is one of Scarborough's busiest shopping streets, home to a wide range of businesses and serving as a popular destination for residents and visitors.
To improve the condition, safety and appearance of this important retail area, North Yorkshire Council commissioned a major refurbishment scheme, delivered in partnership with NY Highways for NEC project management and supervision, WSP as the principle designer, and contractor Fox Owmby Ltd.
Completed in June 2026, the project transformed the largely pedestrianised street through upgraded surfacing, enhanced public spaces and improved infrastructure, creating a more attractive and welcoming environment while delivering excellent value for money.
The problem
Huntriss Row is a largely pedestrianised street serves as a key retail destination for residents and visitors, with vehicle access restricted to after working hours.
However, the condition of the street had deteriorated. Persistent drainage problems, damaged paving, potholes and trip hazards had affected its appearance, functionality and safety.
With increasing maintenance requirements, a comprehensive refurbishment was needed to restore the street and create a safer, more welcoming environment for businesses, shoppers and visitors.
The solution
North Yorkshire Council delivered the refurbishment scheme in partnership with NY Highways, which provided NEC project management and supervision services, alongside design consultants WSP and contractor Fox Owmby Ltd.
The success of the project relied on strong collaboration between all parties, with effective communication and proactive problem solving helping to overcome challenges and keep the scheme on track.
As NEC project manager and supervisor, NY Highways maintained a regular on-site presence throughout the programme, providing oversight and assurance that works were being delivered safely, efficiently and in accordance with contract requirements.
Despite careful planning, several unforeseen challenges were encountered during construction, including the discovery of cellar structures beneath some properties, unexpected voids beneath existing concrete surfaces, and utility apparatus that obstructed planned works.
Thanks to the strong working relationship between NY Highways, North Yorkshire Council, WSP, and Fox Owmby Ltd, these issues were identified and addressed quickly, with practical solutions helping to minimise delays and keep works progressing efficiently.
The team also identified and implemented value engineering opportunities to help North Yorkshire Council achieve the best possible outcome while maximising value for money. NY Highways' quantity surveying team closely managed project costs, contracts and payments to ensure robust financial control throughout the scheme.
The project took place between February and June 2026. To minimise disruption to businesses, residents and visitors during one of the town's busiest periods, works were paused for two weeks over the Easter school holidays.
The result
The refurbishment of Huntriss Row has successfully transformed one of Scarborough's key shopping streets, creating a safer, more attractive and welcoming environment for businesses, residents and visitors.
The completed scheme included new surfacing and paving throughout the street, significantly improving both its appearance and functionality. To further enhance the area, additional benches and planters were installed, helping to create a more inviting space for people to enjoy.
The project was delivered on time, below budget and without any defects, demonstrating the effectiveness of NY Highways' project management, supervision and cost control. Through proactive management and the identification of value engineering opportunities, the team helped North Yorkshire Council achieve a high-quality outcome while delivering savings.
Feedback from local stakeholders was overwhelmingly positive. No complaints were received during the construction phase, while businesses on the street regularly praised the project team for their professionalism and efforts to minimise disruption throughout the works.
Feedback from businesses on Huntriss Row include:
“Much smarter and tidier, and makes Huntriss Row feel more inviting.”
- Louise Florists
“Delighted with the works, breath of fresh air for the road. Can’t fault the contractors.”
- Bradleys the Jewellers
“Guys have been brilliant, worked really well. Fantastic job.”
– David Scaife Menswear
“Friendly and professional contractors. Huntriss Row now looks brighter and more welcoming.”
– Starbucks
“It’s great to have the long anticipated resurfacing of Huntriss completed. We would like to thank all involved who have done a great job transforming the street and working closely with us all to do it with the minimum disruption – fantastic job, thank you!”
– McDonalds
Feedback from North Yorkshire Council:
“I wanted to compliment the project management of Huntriss Row, the job was finished pretty much on time and on budget. The project manager was always available if I had a query and he worked really well with the contractors. I can’t thank him enough, I only had to do two site visits during the entire scheme.”
- Area Manager, North Yorkshire Council