Residents’ chance to view plans for revamp

Proposals for the latest phase of the Sands Project, which has been dubbed “the most significant redevelopment of Scarborough in recent times” are set to go before planners next month.

Keen to gauge public opinion, developers Benchmark Leisure will present the plans and answer any questions at the meeting, which will be held at the Royal Hotel at 7pm.

Councillor David Jeffels, Scarborough Borough Council’s cabinet member for tourism and culture, said: “There will be people there from Benchmark Leisure and I understand that they will be outlining their aspirations for the site. We are hoping for a good turn out of people to hear what the developers have to say about the Sands because it’s a very important development. It’s the most significant development being carried out in any seaside resort in the country.

“The meeting is going to provide an excellent opportunity for people to come along, ask questions, and any fears and concerns they might have will hopefully be allayed.”

If the development is given the go-ahead, a waterpark, 163 holiday homes and a family restaurant will be built on the former Kinderland and Mr Marvels sites in the town’s North Bay. Once popular tourist attractions, the former Kinderland and Mr Marvels sites have remained derelict for many years.

The scheme is at pre-application stage and it is expected that the actual planning application will be submitted formally in September when there will be an opportunity for people to comment.

Coun Jeffels said: “As well as accommodation, it will offer state of the art facilities for our holiday makers. We have always been at the forefront of the tourism industry and this is going to keep us there.”