A multi-million pound development aiming to establish Whitby as a key player in the maritime and offshore renewable energy sectors has reached a significant milestone.
The Whitby Maritime Training Hub will build on the town’s fishing and sailing heritage with a dedicated centre created in Endeavour Wharf to provide a greater breadth of career paths in the historic port.
Construction work on the hub is due to start next week and is planned to be completed by the end of April 2026.
The development aims to provide first-class training facilities as well as accommodation for businesses and service providers to inspire the next generation of skilled apprentices and maritime industry professionals.
The facility is set to also contain engineering workshops and office space for marine-based start-up businesses and other maritime industries.
North Yorkshire Council will initially manage the facility, which has been designed to blend in with the existing views of the town. Once open, there will be the potential for a community interest company to be developed to take on the running of the hub.
The facility is hoped to be occupied by local, regional and national businesses and organisations, making Whitby a hub of maritime activity.
This would enable new commercial opportunities in the maritime and marine sectors, supporting the local economy and reducing a reliance on seasonal employment such as tourism.
The funding for the project, which is expected to cost £9.6 million, will come from the £17.1 million given to Whitby as part of the Government’s Town Deals programme. A total of £37.3 million was awarded under the programme to Whitby and Scarborough in 2021.
Willmott Dixon, will lead on the construction with work due to start on Monday (7 April).
They will be supported by the council’s building design consultancy, Align Property Partners, who will assist with the day-to-day management of the construction site.
The Yorkshire director at Willmott Dixon, Chris Yates, said: “We’re really excited to be working alongside North Yorkshire Council to create this landmark development which will add to Whitby’s proud maritime heritage.
“We share the council’s passion for creating employment opportunities for this community. In partnership with our local supply chain partners, we will provide 800 hours of employment support through our bespoke Building Lives Academy programmes.
“This will help those furthest from the job market become work-ready and give those involved the chance to leave a lasting legacy by contributing directly to the build of the new hub.
“The project will act as a live learning environment facilitating 150 weeks of apprenticeship training, creating 20 work experience placement opportunities and opening our doors to visitors from local community groups and educational organisations.”
