The Old Engine Shed, as it is affectionately called by the locals, is situated right in the heart of Whitby Town and is an iconic building for many reasons. From the Abbey Headland looking down onto this unique town, the Old Engine Shed forms a prominent part of the landscape.

Now that it is in private ownership, its future as a heritage building is in jeopardy. A distinct lack of maintenance over the years has taken its toll. Successive encroachment on its curtilege by housing development has only exacerbated the problems it faces.  A total of sixteen ‘cottages’ have already been built on the surrounding land during the last four years, in close proximity to the track bed and shed.