More funds needed for pier redevelopment - council

The cost of a major harbour redevelopment project in Scarborough has increased since the plan was approved, North Yorkshire Council has said.

The project, green-lit by the former Scarborough Borough Council, includes restoring existing heritage facilities alongside creating new commercial buildings and public facilities such as toilets and parking.

Councillors said in May the scheme was expected to cost about £15m, of which £1.7m had been spent so far.

An increase in costs means additional funding is needed, council documents said. This is expected to be less than £1m but the exact figure is yet to be announced.

The project also includes a new paved plaza for outdoor events and cultural activities, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

At a meeting in January 2025, a decision on plans to redevelop West Pier was deferred after questions were raised about the scheme's economic benefits and the importance of adding a boat hoist.

A boat lift and marina expansion project in the town could generate more than £1.4m each year, according to Robin Gray, chair of the Scarborough Harbour Advisory Board.

He made the claim during a recent meeting of the Scarborough Harbour Users Group, where members discussed future development plans and North Yorkshire Council's wider harbour strategy.

He attributed the economic benefit to berthing income and supporting businesses such as engineering and chandlery services.

Meanwhile Chris Bourne, NYC's head of harbours, said a £200,000 funding bid had been submitted to the government's Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund to support a feasibility study into the wider harbour expansion proposals.

The study would be used to establish accurate costs and benefits for any development, he added.

The additional funding is due to be discussed by NYC's executive at a meeting in November.

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