Issue - meetings

Recommendations

1)       To seek approval from the Executive to  enter into the construction contract, including any associated project manager and supervisor appointments, to carry out the Whitby Maritime Hub Project on the terms principally contained in this report; and delegate to the Corporate Director of Resources in consultation with the Corporate Director of Community Development and Assistant Chief Executive Legal and Democratic Services to agree the final terms of the contracts, within the established budget.

2)       To note the risks highlighted in the report and the potential need for additional funding from the Council as set out in the financial implications section of the report. At this stage it is not possible to identify the value of any potential gap in funding but if Executive approval is given, there is a cost to the Council which represents the regeneration value of the scheme which will need to be met from Corporate resources.

Considered – A report of the Corporate Director Community Development seeking approval to enter into a construction contract, including any associated project manager and supervisor appointments, to carry out the Whitby Maritime Hub Regeneration Project on the terms principally contained in this report.  Approval was also sought to delegate to the Corporate Director of Resources in consultation with the Corporate Director of Community Development and Assistant Chief Executive Legal and Democratic Services to agree the final terms of the construction contract with the contractor within the established budget.

The Leader referred to two emails which had been received making representation on the item and which had been circulated to members of Executive prior to the meeting.

The Executive Member for Open to Business, Councillor Mark Crane, reported that the project had received strong local support including from the Whitby Town Board and local Members and had secured £10m from the Town Fund in 2020.  Planning permission had been obtained in August 2024 and the project was ready to move to construction.  There was strong interest from local companies to use the building once completed and the Council’s own Harbour Master would also be based there.  Once the building was at 60% use it would break even and additional use would provide a profit.

Councillor Crane referred to objections received and advised that the building was designed to flood with the ground floor being dedicated to maritime uses.  Concern had been raised in relation to the loss of parking spaces during construction, which would be alleviated through the increased use of park and ride. 

Councillor Liz Collings spoke in support of the project on behalf of the Scarborough and Whitby Area Committee.

Resolved (unanimously) –

1)      That approval be given to enter into the construction contract, including any associated project manager and supervisor appointments, to carry out the Whitby Maritime Hub Project on the terms principally contained in this report; and delegate to the Corporate Director of Resources in consultation with the Corporate Director of Community Development and Assistant Chief Executive Legal and Democratic Services to agree the final terms of the contracts, within the established budget.

2)      To note the risks highlighted in the report and the potential need for additional funding from the Council as set out in the financial implications section of the report. At this stage it is not possible to identify the value of any potential gap in funding but if Executive approval is given, there is a cost to the Council which represents the regeneration value of the scheme which will need to be met from Corporate resources.

Reasons for Recommendations

It will deliver the obligations to the Towns Fund programme for Whitby, whilst also ensuring that the community in Whitby is at the forefront of the opportunities have in the sector. 

The recommendations will produce the best benefit for the Marine and Renewable sector for Whitby and North Yorkshire.

The recommendations will also achieve the Council’s corporate aims and the Economic Growth Strategy.

Alternative  ...  view the full minutes text for item 608