New Scarborough seawatching station & mosaic unveiled
A new sea life viewing station on Scarborough’s Marine Drive has been unveiled after Align Property Partners successfully oversaw the project’s delivery.
The renovated 1990s seaside shelter includes free seawatching telescopes and information panels that offer locals and visitors the opportunity to spot marine wildlife.
The facility’s opening also featured the unveiling of a Roman mosaic depicting a ship, whale, dolphins and other marine life on the Yorkshire Coast.
The artwork is by Turner Prize-winning artist Jeremy Deller, with the commission marking the completion of the Wild Eye coastal art and nature trail which links five other artist commissions across Scarborough and Whitby.
Align was appointed by North Yorkshire Council to oversee the project’s construction, working alongside the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and Invisible Dust to ensure the viewing station and mosaic were delivered successfully.
Architectural technologist at Align, Jonathan Glew, said: “We were proud to have worked on this exciting project which we hope will be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.
“The seawatching station offers a great opportunity for people to enjoy the wildlife living off the Scarborough coastline. We have been delighted with the feedback since the opening of the station and the magnificent mosaic outside.
“We would like to thank everyone who played their part in the project’s delivery, including Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. The strong collaboration and teamwork between a number of organisations ensured this brilliant facility was delivered on time and is now fully open to the public.”
Spanning 8.4m x 6m of the station floor, Mr Deller’s mosaic was created in collaboration with Yorkshire-based sculptor and mosaic artist Coralie Turpin.
The artwork celebrates the extraordinary marine life off Scarborough’s coast while emphasising the importance of protecting it for future generations.
Chief executive officer at Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, Rachael Bice, said: “Working with renowned artist Jeremy Deller, the proposed seawatching station and activities aim to foster a greater sense of affinity between people and the environment.
“Providing inspiring ways for people to experience and have a deeper connection with nature is a surefire way to build better protection and care – this beautiful seawatching station will be a wonderful way for people to enjoy a coastal view and look out for Yorkshire’s marine wildlife.”
For more information about the viewing station and mosaic, visit the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust website at https://www.ywt.org.uk/news/new-seawatching-station-and-roman-style-mosaic-launched-scarborough.
Photo: Jeremy Deller and Coralie Turpin with Roman mosaic. Photo by Jules Lister.
