PLANS to build a tourist attraction celebrating the life of a world famous explorer have moved a step closer to becoming reality.

Captain James Cook RN (Charity Trust) Limited has submitted a formal planning application to build Captain Cook's World, in the heart of Whitby, North Yorkshire.

The proposed heritage centre will celebrate the exploits of the explorer, his scientist, officers and crew, by allowing visitors to step back in time to see the world that Cook discovered.

It will feature a traditional boat-building workshop, an arts centre and high-technology satellite communication and navigation systems.

The centre will be situated on a one-and-a-quarter-acre site where Cook's ship, The Endeavour, was thought to be built, on Fishburn Quay, in Whitby Harbour.

The trust has updated its business plan and the detailed application has gone before Whitby Town Council.

It will go before Scarborough Borough Council's planning committee during the next couple of months.

If permission is granted, the trust will appoint a design team, property management team and construction company, and the centre could be up and running by Easter 2007.

Surveys conducted on behalf of the trust found that it could attract 200,000 visitors a year.

Trustees will be holding meetings with banks and businesses over the next few weeks to try to confirm funding and discuss progress with the project.

John Halton, trustee of the James Cook Trust, said: "The support for Captain Cook's World has been immense, with backing from as far afield as New Zealand and Alaska, as well as local businesses and many residents. It will bring wealth, employment and education to Whitby."

Published: 12/06/2004