Demolition Begins for Filey Sea Cadets' £3.5 Million Headquarters

Work has started to demolish a 1920s pavilion in Filey to make way for a state-of-the-art £3.5 million training facility and community hub for local sea cadets.

A multi-million-pound regeneration project to build a new headquarters for young people on the Yorkshire Coast is officially underway.

The first phase of a £3.5 million development on Southdene in Filey has begun, with the demolition of a 1920s pavilion that has housed the local sea cadets for nearly four decades.

Contractors from Hull-based firm Houlton received the keys to the site just 25 days after planning approval was granted. The milestone marks the culmination of ten years of planning to replace the ageing structure, which has been home to the Filey Sea Cadets since 1986.

A new Centre of Excellence will eventually stand in its place, providing accessible training facilities for local young people alongside a significant new venue for the wider community.

Working collaboratively with Townscape Architects over the past nine months, the organisation has designed a building intended to complement the existing historical properties in Southdene while delivering state-of-the-art amenities.

Chair of Filey Sea Cadets, Steven Hopkinson, said:

"We know this project has captured the imagination of the local community, and this is a defining moment for the TS Unseen Unit. To handover the site less than a month after securing planning permission is a fantastic achievement for everyone who helped us to get here.

The pavilion was already earmarked for demolition when we first moved there in 1986. It’s been our home for 40 years and we’ll be sad to see it go, but it can no longer meet the needs of our cadets. We’re looking forward to giving the next generation a place designed for them, where they can learn new skills and grow in confidence. The new headquarters will also create space where local community groups can meet and hold events.

Now that work has commenced on site and with early-stage funding secured, we’re focusing our efforts on raising further funds and calling on local people, businesses and organisations across the wider region to help us deliver our fantastic new £3.5 million headquarters."

The contractor is currently carrying out remedial works, building demolition, and site preparation ahead of the main construction phase.

Steven Hopkinson added:

"Houlton is a long-established regional contractor with a strong reputation for quality and a proven track record of delivering projects to a high standard. Their experience and expertise will be invaluable as we take the next steps towards bringing our vision to life."

Pete Barnicoat, Contracts Manager at Houlton, said:

"We are delighted to have secured this major project that will deliver a modern, fit-for-purpose facility providing lasting benefits for Filey Sea Cadets. We look forward to working with the project team and local stakeholders on this vital community hub."

Once complete, the modernised facilities will enable the unit to expand its sailing, training, and leadership activities. It will also allow the town to host more regional training camps for visiting youth groups from across Yorkshire.

The new building will feature four classrooms, a communal hall, dormitories capable of accommodating up to 48 people, and a fully equipped kitchen. It will also include lift access, powerboat storage, and parking for cars and two minibuses. The versatile multi-use hall will be made available for hire by local groups for events and functions.

The Filey unit, known as TS Unseen, is affiliated with the Royal Navy and ranks among the top five per cent of the 400 Sea Cadet units across the UK. It currently supports up to 60 cadets aged between nine and 18, alongside more than 40 adult volunteers.

The organisation provides accredited training in marine engineering, first aid, and leadership. Cadets also participate in activities ranging from kayaking and windsurfing to rock-climbing and weather forecasting, alongside working towards Duke of Edinburgh's Awards.

Demolition and site clearance will continue over the coming weeks. Construction of the new facility is scheduled to begin in January 2027, with the new headquarters expected to be finished in Spring 2028, in time for the sailing season.

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