Scarborough Borough Council has today officially broken off its agreement with the developer behind the stalled cinema complex planned for the town’s North Bay.
Scarborough Borough Council’s cabinet decided in a behind closed doors session not to extend its deal with Benchmark Leisure Ltd and instead will start again with a new vision for the site.
Scarborough Borough Council had intended to let its agreement with Benchmark expire on December 31 before the company made an eleventh hour offer to repay an outstanding £8.5m loan to the authority.
Benchmark had previously been responsible for the £14 million Alpamare waterpark built in North Bay, made possible by a £9 million loan from the council, and had also overseen the building of a pub and Premier Inn hotel on the same site.
However, the plan for a cinema, restaurants and flats where the former Atlantis waterpark once stood has repeatedly stalled since 2017.
Speaking after today’s meeting council leader Cllr Steve Siddons thanked the company for its work.
He said:
“We thank Benchmark for their contribution over the last 18 years which has delivered a number of schemes in the North Bay.
“It is disappointing that Benchmark could not deliver the promised cinema.
“However, the time has now come to draw a line under this relationship and to move forward, reviewing the site, looking at it afresh, and make plans fit and relevant for the 21st Century reflecting the needs of residents and visitors alike
“We will work at pace to develop a new vision for the site with councillors, and partners to create exciting opportunities for the future.”
The cabinet declined to give Benchmark a five-year extension for what is known as the Sands Development.
Benchmark have been approached for comment.


Major Redevelopment Proposed For Scarborough Town Centre Buildings And Car Parks
Scarborough To Host 12-Minute Drone Display Following Goldwing Light Parade
Bridlington's New £15.5 Million Multi-Storey Car Park To Open In October
400 Staff to Strike Again at Scarborough Bus Manufacturer
Residents Urged To Sweep Chimneys Ahead Of Winter As Fire Risks Rise
Scarborough Care Group Chairman Recognised For Decades Of Advocacy
Mayor Welcomes "Warts and All" Report on Proposed North Yorkshire Tourism Tax
Vacant Scarborough Sites Set For Regeneration Masterplan
Boat Lift Proposal Could Generate £1.4m Annually, Harbour Meeting Hears
Yorkshire Wolds Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty Proposal Submitted To Government
Hull And East Yorkshire Mayor Quashes Defection Rumours
Scarborough Athletic Aim To Bounce Back Against Macclesfield Following Successive Defeats







Comments
Add a comment