More money needed for Scarborough West Pier redevelopment – council

​Plans to transform Scarborough’s historic West Pier and ensure it remains a working harbour and a popular visitor destination are set to require additional funding due to an “increase in costs”.

​​At a meeting in May, councillors said the scheme is expected to cost around £15 million, of which £1.7 million had been spent so far.

​​After decades of exposure to harsh marine conditions, many of the historic West Pier’s buildings are in a dilapidated state and North Yorkshire Council is working on a multi-million-pound regeneration scheme to revitalise the landmark structure.

​According to council documents, the additional expenditure is expected to be less than £1 million but exact costs are yet to be announced.

​“This report is to seek additional funding to cover the increase in cost since the decision by the former Scarborough Borough Council to proceed with the development,” a council notice states.

​A decision on the additional funding is due to be made later this winter.

West Pier Kiosk1. NYC

​A meeting of the authority’s executive committee has been scheduled for Tuesday, November 17, to discuss the additional funding requirement.

​​The project includes restoring and repairing existing heritage facilities to bring them back into active use, preserving their character, alongside the creation of new, modern, flood-resilient buildings for commercial use and improved public facilities such as toilets and parking.

​Plans also include new business opportunities to support the local economy, new kiosks, enhanced pedestrian routes and a new paved plaza which could accommodate outdoor events and cultural activities.

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

​​Robin Gray, chairman of the Scarborough Harbour Advisory Board, has said that a long-discussed boat lift and marina expansion project in the town could generate more than £1.4 million annually and help create hundreds of additional berths.​

Scarborough West Pier, Aerial Shot. NYC

​The claim emerged during a recent meeting of the Scarborough Harbour Users Group, where members discussed future development plans and North Yorkshire Council’s wider harbour strategy.

​​Mr Gray told attendees he had developed a Green Book-standard business case setting out the potential economic benefits of a boat lift and associated marine facilities.

​Speaking at the meeting, he said the proposals could generate more than £1.4 million a year through a combination of berthing income and supporting businesses such as engineering and chandlery services.

The document also reportedly suggests the harbour could accommodate about 240 berths in the outer harbour.

​The proposals form part of wider discussions around the long-term “Blue Sky” vision for Scarborough Harbour, which council officers confirmed has now been incorporated into North Yorkshire Council’s adopted Harbours Strategy.

​​Chris Bourne, North Yorkshire Council’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.

​He said the study would be used to establish accurate costs and benefits for any development.

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