Council Sets Out Ten-Year Plan for Scarborough, Whitby and Filey Harbours

North Yorkshire Council has unveiled a comprehensive new draft strategy aimed at revitalising the maritime gateways of the Yorkshire Coast.

The North Yorkshire Council Harbours Strategy 2026–2036 provides a ten-year roadmap to transform the harbours of Scarborough and Whitby, alongside the historic Filey Coble Landing, into safe, sustainable, and economically vibrant hubs.

The strategy, presented to the Scarborough and Whitby Area Committee on 2 March 2026, marks the first time a unified vision has been set for these locations following the local government reorganisation in 2023. It seeks to balance the preservation of rich maritime heritage with the necessity for modern innovation.

Addressing a Legacy of Decline

Chris Bourne, the North Yorkshire Council Head of Harbours and Coastal Infrastructure, has been candid about the challenges facing these coastal assets. He acknowledged that the current state of the harbours is a result of long-term maintenance issues that the new council is now determined to address.

Speaking on the current condition of the facilities, Mr Bourne stated:

"I don't think that anybody doubts when we say that the infrastructure within Scarborough and Whitby harbours has not been well maintained. We know it has not.

What we are now trying to do is remedy that using funding that North Yorkshire Council is providing to maintain our infrastructure.

And there is already been work achieved successfully in Whitby where we did repairs to the Fish Quay and work is ongoing on Scarborough on West Pier to do repairs to the inner west pier parts".

The report accompanying the strategy highlights that the infrastructure has been in a period of decline due to ageing piers and structural issues, such as accelerated low water corrosion affecting steel piles.

A Sustainable Vision for Future Communities

Despite these hurdles, the Council’s leadership remains optimistic about the "unique qualities and value" these harbours bring to their local communities. The strategy outlines eight core objectives, including strengthening stakeholder relationships, improving operational efficiency, and rising to the challenge of net zero.

Mr Bourne articulated the council's ambitions for the residents and visitors who frequent the coast:

"The vision is all about fulfilling the potential for Scarborough Whitby and Filey to provide safe and sustainable facilities.

We want to celebrate the rich maritime heritage and embrace innovation and economic growth.

The mission is to manage the harbours to the benefit of of current and future communities while preserving their historic value".

Economic Growth and Offshore Ambitions

A significant portion of the strategy focuses on the potential for economic diversification. While the fishing industry continues to face challenges—including a reported 90% decline in shellfish catches following recent environmental events—the Council is looking toward the burgeoning offshore renewables sector as a primary opportunity for growth.

The strategy identifies Scarborough’s geographic position as particularly attractive for the offshore wind farm supply chain. Mr Bourne highlighted the potential for substantial investment if the harbours can be adapted to meet modern maritime needs.

Regarding these future developments, Mr Bourne commented:

"That's about investing in new facilities and attracting growth sectors, and attracting new development. And in there we talk about improving dredge depth so that we can attract larger CTVs (Crew transfer vessels) and hopefully get the operator who was investing a hundred million pounds to come and birth these vessels in Scarborough.

We talk about extending the West Pier, we also talk about improving moorings the leisure people as well, both in Scarborough and in Whitby. These are all really good, ambitious things that should be supported".

The council is also exploring the provision of a boat lift in Scarborough to allow for better vessel maintenance. Such a facility would prevent local boat owners from having to travel to Bridlington or further afield for essential repairs.

Public Consultation and Next Steps

The draft strategy is now entering a period of formal public consultation, which is scheduled to run until 22 March 2026. North Yorkshire Council is encouraging residents, harbour users, and town councils to provide feedback via their website to ensure the final document reflects the needs of all stakeholders.

The consultation can be found at https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/your-council/consultations-and-engagement/current-consultations/draft-harbours-strategy-consultation

The Council has emphasised that while many of the redevelopment proposals are ambitious, their delivery will often be subject to securing external grant aid or additional funding. Nonetheless, the authority views this strategy as a "clear roadmap" to secure the long-term future of the Yorkshire Coast for generations to come.