The project has been recommended for approval by the council's planning chiefs after the new, gothic-inspired design, drew compliments from local groups.

The new structure, based on the whale bones and gothic arcs, is the follow-up to the defeated two-storey marina users building which proved unpopular with locals.

This time around the council has learnt from its mistakes and undertaken a wide-ranging consultation.

This appears to have paid off after the new design received high praise from Whitby Civic Society, saying the scheme is a great improvement on what was formerly proposed.

It said: "The overall external appearance of the building seems entirely acceptable and we welcome the introduction of some innovation in style.

"Since the building will be a little remote from other buildings, the question of fitting in with any supposed Whitby style is not so critical as in the case of buildings for infill.

"We warmly welcome the acceptance of this application, subject only to minor modifications in detail."

It was also praised by Whitby Town Council, the Environment Agency and Yorkshire Water.

The public consultation saw four individual letters sent in support of the project with all praising the design of the building, which incorporates stone and glass in the design.

In recommending the project for approval the council;s planning officer, Derek Green, said: "The proposal will benefit the waterfront location by providing improved facilities as well as creating a symbolic building of significance despite its small scale.

"The building form is born out of the recurring theme of the gothic arch, which is evident throughout the town, the abbey, the churches, the whalebones etc and will add to the rich architectural heritage of the town."

The million-pound project will go out to tender if it is given the backing of the planning committee later today.