Construction starts on Whitby Maritime Training Hub
Willmott Dixon has put spades in the ground for the £9.6m project on Endeavour Wharf, which was approved back in August last year.
Willmott Dixon won the contract in January via the SCAPE Construction Framework process and is working alongside Enjoy Architects.
Work is expected to complete by spring next year.
Funding for the project will come via the £37.3m granted to Whitby and Scarborough from the Government’s Town Deals programme in 2021.
North Yorkshire Council will initially operate the facility, although there will be future potential for a local company to be developed to take on the running of the hub.
The hub will focus on training and upskilling people working in the maritime, offshore and renewable industries, and will also provide accommodation for businesses and service providers.
The facility is intended to be occupied by local, regional, and national businesses, making Whitby a hub of maritime activity, with the aim of increasing job opportunities and reducing the town’s reliance on seasonal tourism employment.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for open to business, cllr Mark Crane, whose responsibilities include economic growth and harbours, said: “We believe the hub can open the door to new economic growth in coastal areas and be a landmark development for Whitby, placing the town at the forefront of the growing renewable energy sector.
“It is imperative that there is a sustainable and diverse range of job opportunities for our communities, and the building of a world-class training facility can only help inspire the next generation of apprentices and professionals in the maritime sector.”
Yorkshire director at Willmott Dixon, Chris Yates, added: “In partnership with our local supply chain partners, we will provide 800 hours of employment support through our bespoke Building Lives Academy programmes…
“The project will act as a live learning environment facilitating 150 weeks of apprenticeship training, creating 20 work experience placement opportunities and opening our doors to visitors from local community groups and educational organisations.”
