Fate of resort's historic theatre set to be decided by autumn

The future of the resort's largest entertainment complex has been in doubt since Apollo Leisure pulled out, leaving local cinema manager Barrie Stead to keep the theatre alive.

Coun David Jeffels, the chairman of the brains trust looking at the future of the venue, gave his first verbal update to his civic colleagues yesterday.

He said: "Our first priority has been to look at all of the previous reports relating to the Futurist and to decide what further information is needed.

"We have also asked a company called Team, who are specialist consultants, to comment on these reports and look at some key issues."

These included advising on the likely impact of the Spa redevelopment and the Open Air Theatre and the potential future market demand for the Futurist.

"We have also visited the Futurist, Spa and Open Air Theatre to gauge the potential for all three venues," Coun Jeffels added.

"We will also be holding two meetings in public, which will give the task group the chance to hear more evidence and ask further questions.

"Consultants who have previously written reports on the Futurist will be invited to one meeting and relevant stakeholders will be invited to attend the other meeting."

He said the fact the meetings were being held in public showed the transparency of the review process. "The general public will be able to observe the proceedings at this stage, similar to observing a cabinet or full council meeting.

"The task group is hoping to conclude its review by September to allow some certainty about the theatre's future. Following this, the general public will then be given an opportunity to comment on the outcomes of the review process.

"I would like to stress that the group is conducting a very comprehensive review, looking at as much information and evidence as it can possibly gather.

"What is important is that the council arrives at the right decision for the future of Scarborough and takes into account all the issues along the way."

Dates for the meetings have yet to be fixed.