Why Fishermen Are Up in Arms Over Scarborough’s £11 Million Pier Redevelopment

Scarborough’s ambitious £11 million plan to redevelop its historic West Pier has made significant progress, despite facing accusations of being a “land grab.” Senior councilors from North Yorkshire have unanimously decided to allocate some of the site’s land for “non-harbour” purposes, aiming to transform the area into a vibrant tourist destination.

The council’s vision for the West Pier includes creating event spaces and a seafood restaurant alongside maintaining its function as a harbor. This initiative is intended to boost the local economy and honor the town’s rich fishing heritage. Despite the council’s enthusiasm, the plan has met with substantial opposition from residents and fishermen.

Fred Normandale, a local fisherman, has voiced strong objections, arguing that the redevelopment would excessively commercialize the harbor. “They are wanting to take it over and make it touristy,” he told BBC Radio York. “We’ve got a hundred empty shops in the town. There are no empty shops on Sandside, not one. They want to make more shops on the pier, why? What are they going to put on here that is not already there?”

The redevelopment will be funded by a £20.2 million Towns Fund grant awarded to Scarborough in 2021. This grant will support the construction of new buildings for existing businesses and improved facilities for the local fishing fleet. The council believes these changes will attract more visitors and stimulate economic growth.

Mark Crane, the senior Conservative councilor responsible for business, views the redevelopment as a positive step for Scarborough. “Overall, this is a really good news story for Scarborough,” he said. “We will hopefully see an increase in tourism there. We will hopefully see an increase in the town’s economy and hopefully, it will just be a better place to go and visit.”

Local businessman Jim Grieve, part of Scarborough’s hospitality industry, supports the redevelopment plans. He believes the current buildings on the pier are not fit for purpose and need significant improvements. “The West Pier has needed redeveloping for years; you can see when you look around it that it is held up by scaffolding,” Grieve said. “The buildings that are sat on top of this pier are derelict and falling.”

Grieve also hopes the redevelopment will encourage holidaymakers to extend their stays in Scarborough by providing a more attractive and functional space for events. He acknowledges the strong opposition due to Scarborough’s deep-rooted fishing heritage but emphasizes the necessity of modernization. “We have a very, very strong fishing heritage here in Scarborough. I’m not surprised that there’s a lot of fear of change. But, Scarborough has to modernize and Scarborough has to come forward – we’re not in 1985 anymore.”

Despite the opposition, the council remains committed to moving forward with the redevelopment. The final decision on the proposals is expected in August. This project represents a crucial part of Scarborough’s efforts to revitalize its waterfront and enhance its appeal as a tourist destination.

The redevelopment plans have stirred a significant amount of debate within the community. Supporters argue that modernizing the pier is essential for the town’s economic growth and sustainability. They believe that the new facilities will attract more visitors, create jobs, and provide a boost to local businesses. Opponents, however, fear that the changes will erode the town’s unique character and disrupt the traditional fishing industry that has been a cornerstone of Scarborough’s identity for generations.

The council’s decision to allocate land for non-harbour purposes has been particularly contentious. Critics argue that this move prioritizes commercial interests over the needs of the local community. They worry that the redevelopment will lead to increased commercialization and potentially displace existing businesses and fishermen who rely on the harbor for their livelihoods.

In response to these concerns, the council has emphasized its commitment to preserving Scarborough’s fishing heritage while also promoting economic growth. The new facilities, they argue, will provide better infrastructure for the fishing fleet and create opportunities for local businesses to thrive. The addition of event spaces and a seafood restaurant is seen as a way to celebrate and showcase the town’s maritime heritage.

As the community awaits the final decision in August, the debate over the West Pier redevelopment highlights the broader challenges faced by towns and cities across the UK. Balancing the need for modernization and economic growth with the preservation of local heritage and character is a delicate task. For Scarborough, the outcome of this redevelopment plan will likely have lasting implications for the town’s future.

This story was originally featured on BBC