Pier work brings benefit to fish fleet

Work on the latest phase in the development of Scarborough's West Pier will start this month with the demolition of the first of the two bait sheds.

A major shake-up of the fish market has already been completed with the installation of new freezer and chiller facilities. All of the existing tenants of the bait shed have been relocated to alternative accommodation on the inner side of the pier.

The next phase will include new fish processing and ice making facilities and accommodation on the inner side of the pier for the fishing industry and tenants in the second bait shed.

Once this has been completed the second shed will be removed, so opening up the pier for further development and alternative uses.

A mixture of leisure, retail, community and commercial uses are in the pipeline – subject to future consultation and planning approvals.

Alex Richards, Project Manager for Scarborough Council said: "Works to date have been progressing well. We have worked with the fishing industry to reorganise the fish market and provide new chiller facilities. The existing tenants have been very helpful in the relocation process and many have taken the opportunity to upgrade their business premises and facilities."

If all goes to plan, the first shed should be down before Christmas and laid out for 44 temporary car parking spaces. The income will go towards the cost of the improvements which include a new ice plant, plus a new and larger fish and shellfish processing areas for existing tenants,

The West Pier was first built from 1817-1822.

The first permanent building was the Harbour Master's office – originally the fish salesmen's offices – built in 1896.