Willmott Dixon has been selected by North Yorkshire Council to build a new £9.6m maritime training hub in Whitby.

Whitby Maritime Training Hub will build on the town’s fishing and sailing heritage with the dedicated centre in Endeavour Wharf providing training and certification for people working in the maritime, marine and offshore renewable industries, as well as accommodation for businesses and service providers.

It will also have engineering workshops and office space for marine-based start-up businesses and other maritime industries.

It’s hoped the project will be completed by spring 2026.  The company is working with Enjoy Architects.

North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for open to business, Mark Crane, whose responsibilities include economic growth and harbours, said: “This is a significant moment for this project. 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.”

North Yorkshire Council will initially remain as the operator of the facility, which has been designed to blend in with the existing views of the town.

Once opened, there will be the potential for a community interest company to be developed to take on the running of the hub.

The facility is intended to be occupied by local, regional and national businesses and organisations, making Whitby a hub of maritime activity.

This would enable new commercial opportunities in the maritime and marine sectors to support growth in the local economy and reduce a reliance on seasonal employment, such as tourism.

Funding for the project will come from via the Government’s Town Deals programme.  A total of £37.3m was awarded under the programme to Whitby and Scarborough in 2021.

Yorkshire director at Willmott Dixon, Chris Yates, added: “We're really excited to be working alongside North Yorkshire Council to create this landmark development which will add to Whitby's proud maritime heritage.

“We share the council’s passion for creating employment opportunities for this community. In partnership with our local supply chain partners, we will provide 800 hours of employment support through our bespoke Building Lives Academy programmes.

“This will help those furthest from the job market become work-ready and give those involved the chance to leave a lasting legacy by contributing directly to the build of the new hub. 

“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.”