Hodgkinsons look to give new life to historic site

FORMER Yorkshire Forward chairman Terry Hodgkinson is looking to transform an historic engine shed in Whitby into a visitor attraction.

Mr Hodgkinson has teamed up with his wife Anne on the project which the pair say could give a much needed jobs boost for the town with 50 positions being created.

They have just submitted planning and listed building consent to reuse and develop the 166-year old building.

Their plans are set to give the historic building a new lease of life as a £500,000 local and visitor attraction.

The proposals include the creation of an art, sculpture and exhibition space along with an 80 cover restaurant/cafe within the building.

The arts space will offer opportunities for visiting artists, sculptors and photographers to participate in an ‘artist in residence’ scheme with demonstration space for teaching purposes.

Twelve artists and sculptors will be given the opportunity to showcase their work with their own dedicated exhibition space and from the adjacent gallery shop.

The gallery will offer free admission to the public and access will be via Whitby’s train station’s west platform.

Mr Hodgkinson said “I’m very excited about the proposal; we are trying to create something that is quite different, which is not just a tourist attraction but a facility that will enhance the offer and reputation of the arts sector on the North East Coast of Britain.”

The couple are hoping to open the facility in March next year.