Resortrevampbid moving forward

PLANNING: A regeneration plan for Scarborough is progressing at pace as designers are appointed to carve out a future for its harbour and pier.

The resort’s picturesque harbour is one of the oldest in the country, with its trade charters granted by Henry lll in 1251, and it remains the district’s most vital working port.

A REGENERATION plan for a Yorkshire resort is progressing at pace as designers have been appointed to carve out a future for its harbour and historic pier.

Scarborough’s picturesque harbour is one of the oldest in the country, with its trade charters granted by Henry lll in 1251, and it remains the district’s most vital working port.

Now, following years of discussion, a draft plan and feasibility study are being drawn up by London-based Hemingway Design.

The firm is tasked with ensuring the harbour and pier remain a thriving tourism draw and at the same time maintain the town’s fishing traditions.

“This is a working port with the second largest shellfishery on the coast as well as being a key tourist destination for the town, so the aim of the project is to find a way for these two industries not just to co-exist but to benefit each other and the wider town,” a Hemingway spokesman said.

Scarborough’s fishing industry has been key to its success over centuries, but it was also once one of the coast’s main shipbuilding centres.

Two years ago, a task group was set up to envisage a way the town could capitalise on this rich history, with suggestions including the creation of a trademark ‘Scarborough Fare’ to rival the likes of the Cornish Cream Tea.

In July 2018, Scarborough Borough Council launched an 18-month process to explore opportunities for the harbour’s potential.

Fishing activity was likely to be hampered by regulation, it warned, with restrictions not seen by previous generations presenting a loss of income of between 20 to 40 per cent.

Now, with the appointment of design and regeneration experts, a new future could be drawn to preserve this heritage while ensuring prosperity.

“It is vital to preserve and enhance the economic opportunities for the working port in its important role providing jobs and shellfish in the region and we believe that integrating this industry into a remodelled tourist offering is the way forward for the harbour,” the design company said.

Talks have been held with stakeholders, harbour workers and, said Hemingway, a draft plan is now being shaped.

“It focuses on integrating the working areas of the harbour with the public desire to explore and enjoy the West Pier as a tourist attraction, while ensuring the working harbour activities remain at the core of any new proposals.”

Coun Janet Jefferson, the council’s cabinet member with responsibility for harbours, said the draft plan was to go out to consultation, with a major part of the scheme to be public space for events.

Funding was key, she added, but it was vital that the harbour continued to thrive.

The aim is to find a way for these industries to benefit each other

Hemingway Design, which is drawing up a regeneration plan for Scarborough.