Experts are now making a detailed study of a concept plan of how a marina could be laid out up to a maximum shape and size, which has finally been agreed between East Riding of Yorkshire Council and harbour bosses.

It follows weeks of discussions to find a way forward at meetings between the Harbour Commissioners and the council, chaired by regional development agency Yorkshire Forward

The concept plan, drawn up by the urban design team of consultants West8, shows the agreed footprint for a marina based mainly within the harbour itself but including a maximum boundary which could allow for enclosed water to the south of its south pier.

It also shows an arm extension to the north pier which may be required to protect the entrance.

John Lister, head of Bridlington development plan, described the appointment of consultants to carry out a detailed study of a marina as a significant step towards the development of the harbour and marina project.

PLB Consulting Ltd of Malton will work on assessing the likely demand for the development, which will help determine the shape of a marina, within the maximum agreed size, and the facilities that would be required.

"The agreement of the footprint does not imply any agreement of the layout of the concept plan.

"PLB will look at a range of similar facilities, both here and in Europe, to assess their current trading position and potential for growth to give us the best possible basis for the future design," said Mr Lister.

Their report, to be completed by December, should provide information of the number of berths, preferences for type of berths, access requirements and other information.

It will examine the demand for such a marina and earlier reports on demand for previous projects will also be considered to see if their assumptions are still valid.

"The marina is still key to the regeneration but it is more that it will contribute to the overall values in the town than be a major regeneration tool in its own right," said Mr Lister.

Coun Stephen Parnaby, leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: "The consultants' appointment moves things forward and indicates a real and renewed commitment to the harbour/marina project.

"I have always maintained that a marina is the key to the step change needed for the wider regeneration of Bridlington."

George Traves MBE, chairman of the Bridlington Harbour Commissioners, said: "I am pleased at the progress now being made."

The consultants were commissioned and are funded by Yorkshire Forward, working in partnership with East Riding of Yorkshire Council and the Bridlington Harbour Commissioners.

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