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.
Scarborough and Whitby Harbours Hope To Be Turbo-Charged By Renewables Funding
NFU and Police Warning After Rising Attacks On Sheep In Yorkshire
Woman Fined After Her Waste Was Fly-Tipped In East Riding Countryside
Man Jailed After Woman's Death in Rudston
Overnight Closures Planned for A64 Across the Yorkshire Coast
Scarborough Councillor's Fury Over 'County's Busiest Toilet' Closure
Scarborough Athletic Six-Pointer As Play Off Chase Bucks Up
Whitby Town Return to the Towbar Without Watts
Brid Rugby Target Top Spot
Bridlington Town Face Northumberland Trek
Pickering Town Seek Revenge Against Lincolnshire Opponents
Man Ordered To Pay More Than £1,500 For Abandoning Camper Van In Bridlington
Comments
Add a comment