Willmott Dixon, a contracting and interior fit-out group, has commenced construction on the Whitby Maritime Training Hub in Whitby, North Yorkshire, England.
The training hub will serve as a centre for the training and certification of individuals in the maritime and offshore renewable sectors.
It will feature engineering workshops, office space for marine-based startups, and accommodation for businesses and service providers.
The hub will complement Whitby’s rich fishing and sailing heritage, with completion of the project expected by April 2026.
North Yorkshire Council procured Willmott Dixon for the £9.6m ($12.4m) project through the SCAPE Construction Framework, a public sector-compliant construction framework.
Align Property Partners, the council’s building design consultancy, will oversee the day-to-day management of the site.
The council plans to operate the facility initially, with the potential for a community interest company to take over management in the future.
The hub is expected to create new commercial opportunities and reduce the area’s dependence on seasonal employment.
Funding for the project is sourced from the national government’s Town Deals programme, which contributed a total of £37.3m to Whitby and Scarborough in 2021.
Upon completion, the Endeavour Wharf car park will offer 198 parking spaces, including spaces for disabled individuals and harbour operators. The car park will remain closed during construction for safety reasons.
Willmott Dixon Yorkshire director Chris Yates said: “We’re really excited to be working alongside North Yorkshire Council to create this landmark development which will add to Whitby’s proud maritime heritage.
“We share the council’s passion for creating employment opportunities for this community. In partnership with our local supply chain partners, we will provide 800 hours of employment support through our bespoke Building Lives Academy programmes.”
“This will help those furthest from the job market become work-ready and give those involved the chance to leave a lasting legacy by contributing directly to the build of the new hub.”
Last month, Willmott Dixon secured a contract for the City of Doncaster Council’s Gateway One development, a new 52,000ft² Grade A office building in Doncaster, England.
