Sponsored by local businesses, a large sign has appeared alongside Whitby’s old railway engine shed to mark the site of the proposed £10m Cook’s World heritage centre.

To be built on the spot where Captain Cook’s ship, the Endeavour, was built in the 18th century, the project will feature a working museum of traditional boat building skills, a visitor centre themed on the town’s maritime heritage, and a multipurpose arts centre consisting of a reception area, 200-seat theatre, meeting rooms and bar and catering facilities.

John Halton, trustee of the James Cook Trust, which is behind the development, said: "Cook’s World will be much more than a museum showing the life and times of James Cook.

“It will be a virtual reality experience where visitors can see for themselves the countries and cultures he discovered when his three voyages put Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Ocean onto the map of the world."

The scheme is already well under way, with discussions taking place amongst major national exhibition companies.

Detailed planning consent is due to be applied for and submitted by June 2004, with the centre expected to open by Easter 2007. Details: www.captaincook.co.uk