Construction is well underway on a multi-million pound scheme in Whitby aiming to help drive forward the economy and boost job opportunities.
The Whitby Maritime Training Hub is looking to establish the North Yorkshire port as a key player in the maritime and offshore renewable energy sectors.
It is set to build on the town’s fishing and sailing heritage with a dedicated centre on Endeavour Wharf to provide a greater breadth of careers in the historic port.
Early technical groundwork has now been completed, and with construction gathering pace, leading figures behind the project have visited the site to witness the progress.
North Yorkshire Council leader Cllr Carl Les said: “The construction of the maritime training hub is all about driving new economic growth on the coast, providing a diverse and sustainable range of job opportunities to help ensure Whitby’s thriving future.
“This first-class training facility presents a wonderful opportunity to achieve that by creating and inspiring the next generation of skilled professionals and apprentices in a range of maritime industries.
“It was great to meet the key contractors responsible for the hub’s construction, and it was clear they share our passion in delivering a facility that will benefit the entire region.”
Cllr Les was joined on the visit by Cllr Neil Swannick, the member for the Whitby Streonshalh division, and Cllr Phil Trumper, who represents the Whitby West division.
They met with representatives from the Whitby Town Deal Board, developer Willmott Dixon and the authority’s property consultancy Align Property Partners.
Cllr Swannick said: “I’m very pleased with the progress of this development, and I am looking forward to the completion of this wonderful facility which I believe will benefit the whole community.”
Cllr Trumper added: “It was fantastic to meet all the stakeholders who are working so hard on the maritime training hub with construction now well underway.
“I’m sure the project will bring a number of new opportunities for the town and it’s great to see the progress that is being made.”
The hub aims to provide training facilities and accommodation for businesses and service providers to inspire the next generation of skilled apprentices and maritime industry professionals.
It will also contain engineering workshops and office space for marine-based start-up businesses and other maritime industries.
Construction is expected to be completed by April 2026.
Director at Willmott Dixon, Nick Corrigan, said: “This is an exciting moment in the development of Whitby Maritime Training Hub.
“Our team thoroughly appreciated the opportunity to welcome councillors and local organisations to site to celebrate how the project will make a real difference to the Whitby community and add to its proud maritime heritage.
“Throughout this project, we and our local supply chain partners will provide up to 800 hours of employment support through our Building Lives Academy programmes, alongside 150 weeks of apprenticeship training and 20 work experience placement opportunities.”
Operations director at Align Property Partners, Andy Bardon, added: “Whitby is one of North Yorkshire’s most-loved coastal towns and we’re delighted to be part of this exciting project, which we hope will benefit the area for generations to come.
“The maritime training hub is an opportunity to protect the town’s rich maritime history, while also safeguarding and investing in its future by inspiring future professionals into the industry.”
