£3.5m boat compound upgrade to help boost local economy

A £3.5m upgrade to Hornsea’s South Promenade boat compound and visitor facilities has been completed.

The council’s contractor Hobson and Porter Ltd have finished the work, which has included improvements such as dedicated parking for users, improved security, and boat servicing and wash down facilities.

Visitors can now benefit from a free visitor car park and picnic area, with improved access to the boathouse and the rest of the promenade.

The scheme was funded by the Government’s Coastal Communities Fund, European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, the Westermost Rough Fisheries Community Fund and East Riding of Yorkshire Council.

Despite significant ground condition issues, and the delays caused by reduced working during the COVID-19 pandemic, completion was only delayed by six weeks.

The increased size of the yard, and its new concrete surface, together with the provision of a new maintenance unit, will safeguard the current nine jobs on the site.

It also provides an opportunity for further job creation, as the redeveloped compound allows the current tenants to store and repair more pots and associated equipment on site.

Extra storage also allows the use of bigger and newer boats for the fishermen, helping them to process their catch more effectively and operate their business more efficiently.

The maintenance shed is a major benefit for the commercial fishermen and the other users of the site, as on site repairs can now be carried out by the users themselves.

In addition, the facility means repair companies can visit and maintain boats on site, rather than the boats having to be transported to the repair company’s facilities.

Provision in the public car park for mobile catering and other attractions such as markets, fairs, and concerts will be a boost to the local economy and employment in the summer months, in more normal times.

In addition, Hornsea Day Launch, operated by Hornsea Inshore Rescue, is now able to house and launch a far greater number of pleasure boats, jet skis and other craft to increase income and safeguard and create job opportunities.

During the upgrade, Hobson & Porter delivered the equivalent of 76 construction jobs and recruited two higher skill level individuals.

Councillor Shaun Horton, portfolio holder for Coastal Regeneration and Tourism, said: “I am delighted to see the completion of this hugely important facility for Hornsea, which will offer considerable benefits to the local economy, both for residents and visitors.

“I am grateful for the excellent efforts of our contractors, and for the funding from various sources, as well as from the council itself.

“I look forward to seeing the Boat Compound develop and flourish in the future, and maximise its great potential.”