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Whitehall Landing – Whitby

Author:   Jimmy Connoley   /   Date:  06/08/2025
Whitehall Landing – Whitby

Project Overview

Transforming Whitehall Landing: From Concrete Wasteland to Marine Haven

Whitehall Landing featured a disused boat ramp – essentially a vast expanse of smooth concrete contributing very little to marine biodiversity. The site had potential, but the sterile surface offered no opportunities for marine life to establish itself.

Since the ramp fell into disuse, residential development transformed the surrounding area. 133 flats and 11 houses now overlook this prime waterfront location. What was once an underutilised space became an opportunity to demonstrate innovative marine habitat enhancement.

The Challenge

This large concrete surface provided zero ecological value despite being positioned in a prime estuarine location. The smooth concrete prevented any natural colonisation by marine species, representing a significant missed opportunity for habitat creation right in the heart of a residential waterfront community.

Our Innovative Solution

We developed an integrated approach combining our SeaHive technology with strategic artificial reef placement. The solution focused on maximising surface complexity while creating diverse microhabitats that could support various marine species throughout different tidal cycles.

Project Partners & Collaborators

Scientific Design

Dr Ruth Callaway – Marine biologist and coastal eco-engineering specialist Visit: https://www.littorina.co.uk/

Manufacturing & Installation

CubeX Industries – Specialist marine grade concrete manufacturing Visit: https://www.cubexindustries.co.uk/

Mould Materials

RECKLI – Liquid PU rubber supply for precision mould creation Visit: https://www.reckli.com/en/

Artificial Reef Technology

Artecology – Specialised artificial reef design and manufacturing Visit: https://www.artecology.space/

Whitehall Landing – Whitby

What We Delivered

Whitehall Landing – Whitby

Channel Maze System – 100 SeaHives

Our channel maze system represents a breakthrough in marine habitat enhancement. We installed 100 SeaHives across the boat ramp, each designed by Dr Ruth Callaway – a marine biologist and coastal eco-engineering project developer who contributes to all BlueCube Marine projects.

The pattern created specifically for Whitehall Landing was unique. CubeX Industries manufactured every panel using their specialised marine grade high strength concrete mix. Each panel was then bolted horizontally onto the boat ramp, creating interconnecting channels with biomimicry patterns inspired by polychaete worm reefs, corals, and bryozoa.

Whitehall Landing – Whitby

SeaHive Pools – 8 Intertidal Habitats

Eight SeaHive Pools complement the main SeaHive system. We manufactured the pool shells while our partners at Artecology created the artificial reefs housed within them.

They work with the tidal cycles. When the tide comes in, each pool fills with water, creating independent micro habitats. These pools provide essential habitat for seaweed and invertebrates while retaining water during low tide periods – effectively creating permanent marine sanctuaries within the intertidal zone.

Technical Innovation

SeaHive Design Process

Dr Callaway designed the unique pattern specifically for Whitehall Landing conditions, ensuring the design was scientifically optimised for local marine species colonisation. The manufacturing process involved creating moulds using liquid PU rubber supplied by RECKLI. CubeX Industries manufactured these moulds and cast the panels using their special marine grade concrete mix. Each panel bolts horizontally to create optimal conditions for marine species establishment.

Professional Installation Standards

CubeX Industries handled complete installation of the SeaHive system. Their team positioned and secured all 100 panels precisely to create the interconnected channel maze. This level of expertise ensures the system performs optimally in challenging marine conditions, working against tide times.

Collaborative Pool Development

The SeaHive Pools showcase successful collaboration between BlueCube Marine and Artecology. We manufactured robust shells designed for marine environments, while Artecology created specialised artificial reefs optimised for species diversity. These pools function as independent ecosystems within the larger habitat network. Each fills with water during high tide, supporting diverse marine communities through carefully designed reef structures.

Site Context & Location Benefits

Strategic Advantages

Whitehall Landing offers excellent tidal range and water exchange within a protected estuarine position. Existing infrastructure provides practical access for installation and ongoing maintenance. The high visibility location creates opportunities for community engagement and environmental education.

Community Integration

The surrounding residents now benefit from enhanced waterfront amenity and opportunities for environmental education. The project demonstrates how marine habitat enhancement can integrate successfully with residential communities.

Outcomes & Impact

Measurable Results: From Sterile Concrete to Thriving Ecosystem

Habitat Transformation Success

The project successfully transformed sterile concrete into functioning marine habitat. Our 100 SeaHives plus 8 SeaHive Pools now provide diverse microhabitats supporting marine species colonisation.

Effective replica of natural ecosystem

Each intertidal pool fills at high tide, creating independent micro ecosystems functioning as miniature marine sanctuaries. The transformation demonstrates how engineered solutions can effectively replicate natural ecosystem functions.

Manufacturing & Installation Excellence

Collaboration with CubeX Industries proved the critical importance of specialised marine-grade materials and expert installation. Their high strength concrete mix ensures optimal performance in challenging marine environments, while precise installation maximises habitat effectiveness.

Scientific Foundation

Dr Callaway's expertise as marine biologist and coastal eco-engineering project developer ensured scientifically grounded design. Her role translates biological knowledge directly into effective habitat enhancement solutions.

Collaboration

This project showcases successful partnership between four specialist organisations. Dr Callaway provided innovative design, RECKLI supplied liquid PU rubber for mould creation, CubeX Industries delivered manufacturing expertise and installation, while Artecology contributed artificial reef technology. Each partner's expertise combined to create superior habitat solutions.

Community

The accessible location now provides excellent opportunities for environmental education, research, and community engagement with marine conservation. 144 residential units benefit from innovative eco-engineering solutions while gaining access to hands-on marine conservation education.

Media Recognition

National and Regional Media Coverage Highlights Innovation

Television Coverage

ITV News: “Pioneering work in Esk estuary – a lifeline from experts to underwater ecosystem in Whitby”

ITV News featured our work in the River Esk estuary, demonstrating how innovative marine engineering provides lifelines to underwater ecosystems. The national television coverage highlighted Whitby’s leadership in marine conservation.

Watch Coverage: https://www.itv.com/watch/news/pioneering-work-in-esk-estuary-a-lifeline-from-experts-to-underwater-ecosystem-in-whitby/0d5wths

Regional Press Coverage

The Scarborough News: “Whitby harbour’s Whitehall Landing transformed by innovative marine habitat project”

Regional coverage focused on local transformation impacts, highlighting how innovative marine habitat projects revolutionise key areas of Whitby harbour while benefiting local communities.

Read Article: https://www.thescarboroughnews.co.uk/news/people/whitby-harbours-whitehall-landing-transformed-by-innovative-marine-habitat-project-5108462

Specialist Marine Publication

This Is The Coast: “Innovative panels installed in Whitby to revitalise River Esk biodiversity”

Specialist coastal publication coverage emphasised technical innovation and biodiversity benefits, highlighting cutting-edge marine habitat solutions and their effectiveness in estuarine environments.

Read Coverage: https://www.thisisthecoast.co.uk/news/local-news/innovative-panels-installed-in-whitby-to-revitalise-river-esk-biodiversity/

Industry Recognition

The Whitehall Landing project gained recognition as a pioneering example of marine habitat enhancement, demonstrating how innovative engineering solutions provide vital support to underwater ecosystems while integrating successfully with community development.

Transform Your Marine Infrastructure

Partner with BlueCube Marine for Innovative Habitat Solutions

Interested in enhancing marine habitats through proven eco-engineering solutions? Our team specialises in transforming underutilised coastal infrastructure into thriving marine ecosystems using scientifically-backed SeaHive technology. Contact our marine habitat specialists to discuss your coastal enhancement requirements.

International House, 10 Churchill Way
Cardiff, Wales, CF10 2HE
info@bluecubemarine.co.uk
0800 7723378

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