By Jayne Elliott BBC News in Bridlington

Protests have been held over plans for a marina in the resort

Plans to redevelop Bridlington's 13th Century harbour have already proved to be a bone of contention with locals who opposed the scheme.

Proposals have also been put forward to give Chapel Street, the bustling centre of the resort, a new look.

It is hoped the work would attract more tourists and investors to the area.

There are three sides to Bridlington: the traditional fishing harbour, the seafront with tourist attractions and the quaint old town.

Plans for a 500-berth marina were submitted by East Riding Council but were turned down by government officials in August 2003 over concerns that the "adverse impact on both the natural and man-made heritage of Bridlington presented a compelling case against allowing it to go ahead."

But Harbour commissioners say they would back plans for a 100-berth marina with fishing facilities.

Bridlington has won many blue flag awards for its beaches

Since then new plans have been submitted by the Harbour commissioners and a feasibility study launched, causing a row to break out between the council and the harbour board.

Martyn Coltman, vice-chairman of the Regeneration Partnership and chairman of Bridlington Urban Renaissance, said: "Around 95% of people in this resort are in favour of the marina and understand what it could mean for the town - new jobs, additional investment and the start of regeneration here.

"The regeneration partnership is completely behind the plans and we want them to go ahead," he said.

However, one fisherman, known locally as Gill, said he did not agree with the marina plans.

"We keep being told there has been a public consultation on the plans but no-one has consulted us.

"They do not seem to realise that the scheme is not workable as it effectively blocks the harbour in. If we were consulted and our views taken into consideration then it would be another matter."

Elsewhere in the resort there are plans to revamp Chapel Street.

This isn't a case of if it will happen, it is a case of when it happens Martyn Coltman

Considered to be the shopping heart of Bridlington, lined with cafes and retail units, the road will become a tree-lined street.

Mr Coltman said the regeneration partnership had been working with Dutch architects on the first phase of the scheme which will be completed early next year.

"The rest of the project will kick-in in about five or six years time with derelict buildings being replaced with new, and dilapidated sites being given a new lease of life," he said.

"The town centre was designed about 50 years ago so it really needs updating. Instead of a piecemeal approach we are doing it holistically - by 2016 everything will have changed.

"This isn't a case of if it will happen, it is a case of when it happens."

'High priority'

Parks and open green spaces are set to get a revamp to make them areas that people want to visit.

Additional transport links and parking facilities are also high on the regeneration agenda.

Mr Coltman added: "Transport improvement is a high priority and we have a �5m scheme in place.

"Better parking facilities, including a multi-storey, improved public access and park-and-ride scheme are all on the cards."

Bridlington first became a holiday resort in the 19th century when visitors started to bath at Bridlington Quay.

The regeneration partnership hopes the improvements it makes will ensure Bridlington remains a top choice for some for centuries to come.