A new ten-year strategy aimed at overcoming significant challenges and capitalising on opportunities in tourism and offshore wind for Scarborough, Whitby, and Filey harbours is set to be approved by North Yorkshire Council.
Major developments and a focus on both new and traditional industries are at the forefront of a new ten-year strategy designed to revitalise North Yorkshire’s harbours.
Scarborough and Whitby harbours, alongside Filey Coble Landing, are currently facing significant challenges. These include ageing infrastructure, a decline in the traditional fishing industry, the ongoing impact of climate change, and gaps in funding.
However, North Yorkshire Council has identified key opportunities in the offshore wind industry, the tourism sector, and facility improvements to help ensure the harbours remain viable for the future.
Executive members of the council will be asked on Tuesday, June 16, to approve the comprehensive plan, which aims to promote safe, sustainable, and economically viable harbours.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for harbours, Councillor Mark Crane, said:
"The proposed strategy would secure the future of our harbours through investment, innovation, and collaboration. While celebrating their rich maritime heritage, we will ensure that our harbours remain cherished and dynamic destinations for generations to come. We have listened to responses to the public consultation and taken the draft plans to committees, sharing with ward members, town councils, and harbour user groups to gather a breadth of expertise."
Among the primary opportunities the harbours strategy seeks to build upon is the offshore wind industry. The Government has noted that the United Kingdom is the second-largest offshore wind market in the world. With major wind farms located off the Yorkshire coast, including at Dogger Bank, the county’s coastal towns have significant potential to support the growing industry.
The strategy will consider new developments, including the ten million pound Whitby Maritime Hub, which is currently under construction and nearing completion. The development is aimed at establishing Whitby as a key player in the maritime and offshore renewable energy sectors. It is set to build on the town’s proud maritime heritage with a dedicated centre on Endeavour Wharf, providing a greater breadth of careers in the historic port.
Meanwhile, Scarborough’s West Pier is set for major regeneration to secure the long-term future of the harbour as a safe, resilient, and fully functioning working port. According to the council, decades of exposure to harsh marine conditions mean routine maintenance is no longer enough, making investment essential to protect this vital piece of infrastructure while respecting its historic character.
The Scarborough scheme has been shaped by feedback from harbour users and the local community. The planned improvements will enhance safety, accessibility, and the public realm, as well as support tourism and marine activity while delivering long-term value for money. The project forms a key part of wider regeneration ambitions for the town through the Government’s Towns Fund.
The hugely valuable visitor economy is also seen as a crucial factor in supporting the region's harbours. Tourism in Scarborough alone generates nearly five hundred and eighty million pounds each year, contributing to North Yorkshire’s wider visitor economy, which is worth more than four billion pounds annually.
Ultimately, the strategy aims to ensure the harbours are resilient to future challenges, remaining open and welcoming by offering accessible and engaging spaces for users, residents, visitors, and businesses alike.
The report can be viewed or downloaded at https://edemocracy.northyorks.gov.uk/documents/s69275/Appendix%20A%20-%20NYC%20Harbours%20Strategy%202026-2036%20PROOF_3%20nl.pdf
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