A multi-million pound scheme that hopes to drive economic growth on the North Yorkshire coast by boosting training and local job opportunities has reached its final stages.
Work to fit the roof of the Whitby Maritime Training Hub has now been completed alongside the installation of 104 solar panels, marking another major milestone in the creation of the flagship facility on Endeavour Wharf.
The centre is to provide a dedicated space for business research and development, including training facilities and workshops that can help to inspire apprentices and skilled professionals in the maritime industry for years to come.
With the roof now completed and most of the exterior structure and brickwork also in place, the development is on track to be completed in April next year.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for open to business, Cllr Mark Crane, whose responsibilities include economic development and regeneration, said:
“It is great to see the progress that has been made as we reach the final stages of this development.
“The construction of the Maritime Training Hub is all about investing in and protecting Whitby’s thriving future by creating a reliable stream of sustainable, skilled jobs in a world class facility for the town.
“We hope this can, in turn, attract further investment to the area and drive economic growth across the North Yorkshire coast, whilst ensuring this region remains at the forefront of the maritime industry.
“I am looking forward to looking around the facility when it is completed early next year, and we are continuing to work closely with a range of maritime businesses who have shown an interest in being part of this exciting project.”
The construction of the £10 million building, which is being led by developer Willmott Dixon, has already resulted in the creation of five local jobs designed to provide long-term pathways into the industry.
Two positions were created by Willmott Dixon for individuals previously not in education, employment or training (NEET), with a further three roles established by supply chain partners specifically for local residents.
The project has also provided 153 weeks of apprenticeship experience, along with an additional five weeks of on-site work placements giving the local community valuable exposure to the construction industry and hands-on learning opportunities.
The Yorkshire director at Willmott Dixon, Chris Yates, said:
“Creating opportunities for the people of Whitby has been a passion we’ve shared alongside North Yorkshire Council and we’re proud of the legacy Whitby Maritime Training Hub is creating.
“Seeing the roof now in place means we head into the exciting final stages of the build and we’re looking forward to the new development continuing to keep Whitby at the forefront of the maritime industry.”
The funding for the project has mainly come from the £17.1 million given to Whitby as part of the Government’s Town Deals programme, as well as from council reserves.
Cllr Neil Swannick, the member for the Whitby Streonshalh division on North Yorkshire Council, and Cllr Phil Trumper, who represents the Whitby West division, have both shown their support for the project.
Cllr Swannick said:
“I welcome the continuing work and the progress that has been made in recent months. I look forward to the facility being completed in April.”
Cllr Trumper added:
“It’s great to see that the Maritime Training Hub is progressing so well. The centre has the potential to diversify the town’s economy and give opportunities to our young people for generations to come.”
The council is speaking with a number of potential tenants in the training, research and enterprise industries.
More information on the project and details for anyone interested in becoming a tenant are available on North Yorkshire Council’s website at https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/whitby-maritime-training-hub
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