Major step towards securing Yorkshire’s Offshore Renewable Energy Centre in Whitby
Dalby Offshore Services and Scarborough Borough Council formally agreed Heads of Terms for the long term lease on Endeavour Wharf, Whitby at the meeting of the council’s Cabinet on 17 March 2015.
The lease proposals are for the creation of an offshore renewables business management and marine control centre, which will include office space, crew and equipment handling, training facilities and marine control centre etc.
The multi million pound development will act as the operations and maintenance base for servicing offshore wind operations in the North Sea and will see offshore support vessels relaying personnel, goods and services via the Port of Whitby.
Captain Stuart McNiven, owner of Dalby Offshore Services said:
“After working closely with Scarborough Borough Council for a number of years, we are highly delighted that its Cabinet has decided to support the development of Endeavour Wharf as the future headquarters of Dalby Offshore and to be the focal point of North Yorkshire’s offshore renewable opportunities.”
“We believe Dalby will act as the anchor tenant to attract others (either starts up or established players) and create a “renewable cluster” of companies. Where better to be based than in the iconic Port of Whitby!”
“Dalby plan to move quickly to develop a detailed design for the site in conjunction with our numerous stakeholders, with a view to selecting a build company within the summer of 2015, with construction expected to take place later in the year.
“We appreciate the significant support given by Scarborough Borough Council and Whitby Harbour board. This should be seen as a template of how businesses, local authorities and stakeholders can work together to benefit local businesses and the wider community.”
Jim Dillon, Chief Executive of Scarborough Borough Council said:
“The decision lays the foundation for the creation of a whole new industry sector within the area, bringing with it significant opportunity for new job creation and investment. The agreement is the result of many years of work developing the relationships and working with the industry to put Whitby and the region on the ‘offshore services map’.
“The proposed development by Dalby will bring economic growth opportunities to the entire North Yorkshire area. We are hopeful that this will be the catalyst for many hundreds of high quality direct and indirect job opportunities for our communities.”
Before entering finalising the lease Dalby and the Borough Council will work over the coming months with stakeholders and the community to develop designs for the proposals.
Whitby & Scarborough Offshore Wind (WSOSW) 