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Better Connectivity Needed to Boost Whitby Economy

Friday, 23 July 2021 07:18

By Matthew Pells with additional reporting from Carl Gavaghan, Local Democracy Reporter

A new report says connectivity is key to the future development of Whitby

That was one of the messages contained in the new £38m blueprint for the town which was approved by the Borough Council's Cabinet earlier this week.

And as Alex Richards from the councils development team explained that doesn't just mean better transport links, but also better digital connectivity.

The new master-plan for the town also seeks to modernising Whitby's economy.

The plan includes aims to improve digital connectivity in the town, provide more space for business in the harbour area and create a new maritime Skills academy.

That's a project welcomed by councillor Michelle Donohue-Moncrieff

The master-plan also seeks to establishing “Whitby Beacons” which are marquee projects including the new Maritime Skills Academy along with  50 carbon neutral homes and creating an Eastside Wellbeing Centre.

The total cost of Blueprint projects comes in at more than £37.8 million but the council hopes that it will act as a showcase to other parties and businesses to invest in the town.

Some of the funding and projects come from the Towns Fund award of £17.1 million Whitby secured earlier this year, the projects suggested by the Town Deal Board.

The document seeks to address some of the biggest challenges faced by Whitby residents, including access to opportunity for training and employment.

Cllr Steve Siddons, the leader of the council, welcomed the publication of the document as the cabinet gave it its full backing.

He said:

“I am pleased that there are so many parts of this plan which are directed at residents rather than visitors.

“This is something that is absolutely essential as we are never going to get significant investment in our infrastructure and our towns if we do not have a clear vision ourselves of what we want to do.

“That has been borne out, even as we speak, with regard to the Scarborough blueprint which has been around for a couple of months now and the amount of interest [that is] being shown by investors, and I am sure the same will apply to Whitby.

“And I hope that the balance between tourism and residents is maintained and we get interest in both those areas to help us complete our aspirations.”

The council released a Scarborough Blueprint earlier this year with a one for Filey in the works.

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