North Yorkshire Council has appointed specialist property consultants to find a new buyer for Scarborough's Alpamare water park as part of a wider regeneration plan for the North Bay.
North Yorkshire Council has officially launched the search for a new owner to take over the Alpamare water park and wellness centre in Scarborough.
The local authority has appointed specialist leisure property consultants Newmark and Stripe Leisure to market the freehold acquisition of the North Bay attraction.
The move follows a turbulent period for the water park, which the council took over after its original developer, Benchmark Leisure Ltd, collapsed in late 2023.
That collapse forced the council to write off approximately £7.8 million in unpaid debt from an original £9 million loan granted by the former Scarborough Borough Council.
The site is currently being operated by Flamingo Land, which stepped in to reopen the venue in July 2024. Flamingo Land's lease is set to expire on the 31st of October 2026.
Now, the council is seeking a permanent solution, offering the freehold of the purpose-built indoor water park, which first opened in 2016.
The site features a large wave pool, a children's splash and play area, four significant waterslides including the Snow Storm and Black Run, outdoor pools, and a café. It also boasts a modern wellness suite complete with saunas, steam rooms, and treatment areas.
To make the deal more attractive to potential investors, the council is offering the opportunity to acquire five adjacent development sites.
These include a large 4.7-hectare plateau formerly used as an amusement park, alongside a gateway site that previously held planning consent for a cinema and restaurants.
Gary Fielding, North Yorkshire Council's corporate director of resources, said:
"Alpamare is a well-established part of Scarborough's vibrant visitor economy and has the potential to drive much broader economic benefits.
We are looking to secure a sustainable, long-term future for the venue and we recognise that to support this some bidders may propose incorporating one or more of the vacant plots within the North Bay area.
We will listen to all interest and consider options carefully based on those criteria."
The sale is intended to align with the council's strategic master plan for the long-term regeneration of the North Bay area, aiming to enhance the Sands as an international destination.
Councillor Liz Colling, chair of the council's Scarborough and Whitby Area Committee, previously confirmed that the council had issued a request for proposals to five specialist leisure agents to explore options for the site.
Councillor Colling said:
"The request for proposals will focus on the freehold sale of Alpamare as an operational water park.
However, bidders may propose incorporating one or more vacant development plots within the North Bay area where this can be justified as necessary to support Alpamare's long-term financial viability and contribute positively to the wider leisure and entertainment offer."
The newly appointed agents believe the sale presents a significant opportunity for the right buyer.
Richard Baldwin, director of Stripe Leisure, said:
"This is a truly unique prospect to acquire and hold a purpose-built, modern waterpark with clear scope for enhancement."
Leo Llewellyn, an associate at Newmark, said:
"Alpamare is a rare opportunity to acquire a well-positioned leisure asset with real opportunity to build on the existing offer and strengthen North Bay's appeal as a visitor destination.
The combination of the waterpark, wellness facilities and surrounding development potential creates an exciting platform for long-term growth."
The water park continues to operate under its current agreement with Flamingo Land while the search for a new visionary custodian gets underway.
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