£11m plan to transform pier and bay in resort

AMBITIOUS plans to transform the West Pier in Scarborough have taken a step forward after they were submitted to North Yorkshire Council.

The £11m scheme aims to boost the local economy and celebrate the town’s fishing industry. Current facilities and buildings which are no longer fit for purpose will be replaced.

North Yorkshire Council’s chief executive Richard Flinton said: “Regenerating the West Pier will breathe new life into Scarborough’s South Bay whilst respecting and supporting the fishing industry working on the pier.”

During the consultation period, one fisherman, Fred Normandale, said the plans were a “land grab” which would only benefit tourists and take “the fisherman away from the pier".

However, Shaun Wood, who runs fish merchant TG Wood, said it is “crying out for investment”. He added: “I’m hugely supportive of the plans and the sooner it happens, the better. We have a huge footprint that we rent from the council, but the building is in disrepair and needs modernising.

“The West Pier is crying out for investment. It’s the first thing you see as you come on to South Bay and it’s an eyesore. If we’ve got this money, let’s spend it and let’s make the place look better and work better for fishermen, locals and tourists.”

The planned renovation will include new buildings for some businesses, improved sheds and warehousing for fishers, new public toilets and a new public space for outdoor events.

Funding comes from the £20.2m Towns Fund grant given to Scarborough in 2021.

North Yorkshire Council’s corporate director of community development Nic Harne said: “These plans are a one-off opportunity to support Scarborough’s heritage fishing industry and transform the harbour. Regenerating the pier will improve facilities for fishermen.”