The Yorkshire Coast, including areas around Scarborough and Whitby, could see significant benefits from the burgeoning offshore wind industry and a coordinated approach to tourism, according to the Chief Executive of the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.
Speaking about the region's growth plans, James Farrar highlighted that clean energy is one of the five key sectors where York and North Yorkshire possess a "genuine competitive advantage". He said that developing propositions around offshore wind provides potential opportunities for investment and job creation in coastal areas suitable for offshore wind developments and related infrastructure.
Furthermore, Mr. Farrar indicated that coastal communities could benefit if the region secures a growth settlement from the government's spending review.
The visitor economy is also identified as "hugely important" for the region. To further capitalize on this, a local visitor economy partnership is being developed, coordinating efforts across the York and North Yorkshire region, including the City of York. This destination management organisation aims to engage with Visit England and leverage the "Yorkshire brand" to attract larger events and raise the profile of the coast. Mr. Farrar stated that the aim is to look at "where where we can perhaps attract some bigger events and some kind of profile for the coast".
While acknowledging the potential, Mr. Farrar stressed the importance of local areas having a clear and unified vision for their future. Speaking to local councillors he stated,
"Rather than me telling you where the opportunities are, I think what what's most important is have your plan for the place. What what we really really need is we we need places with a shared plan that everybody gets behind".
He emphasised that securing funding is not just about asking for money but about "actually setting a vision".
Mr. Farrar outlined that he is engaging with various organisations with substantial investment potential, including the National Wealth Fund and government bodies, to leverage significant funding beyond the mayor's annual allocation. He urged coastal areas to coalesce around a shared plan, stating,
"Make sure that you all coalesce around it and you aren't in factions and arguing about what the priorities are. You have a shared plan and then let's work together on that plan and what it can deliver".
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