Seaside resort hits jackpot with multi-million pound investment

Robert Goodwill, MP for Scarborough and Whitby, said plans to expand the Opera House Casino, in Scarborough, which were given an unexpected boost this week, would be a great asset for the town which was in desperate need for a new state-of-the-art facility.

It comes after Nikolas Shaw Ltd, which operates the casino on St Thomas Street, revealed it was hoping to push ahead with plans to redevelop North Street after competitor Apollo Leisure announced it was pulling out of the bidding process for a small casino license this week.

The decision by Apollo, which runs the Open Air Theatre in the town, means that the license has now been handed to Nikolas Shaw Ltd, bringing to an end a five-year battle between the two leisure operators.

The company has previously announced it would significantly expand the casino into a leisure complex – including a multiplex cinema – if it won the license.

And owner Nikolas Shaw said he now hoped to move forward with plans for the redevelopment of North Street, which is next to the casino, after Scarborough Council previously said it would release the land if parking spaces are replaced.

Mr Shaw, who has run the casino for six years, said: “Everyone at Opera House Casino is absolutely delighted with the news that we have been awarded the Small Casino Licence and look forward to progressing with our plans in the near future.

“We hope that this will now pave the way for us to be granted Preferred Bidder Status for the development of North Street, which will hopefully result in the people of Scarborough getting their long awaited multiplex cinema.”

The proposed mixed-use development, which also includes a hotel, restaurants and retail units, was granted outline planning permission in 2008.

The operators believe the new facilities, which will incorporate the existing casino, will assist with the growth of Scarborough’s tourist industry and improve the local environment through economic regeneration.

Mr Shaw added: “We’re excited that a local business has been given the opportunity to be part of the further regeneration of Scarborough and create additional local employment.

“During the construction phase of North Street Development around 100 employment opportunities will be made available, and once it’s up and running the centre will employ around 80 people in the cinema, hotel, shops and restaurants.”

Although the Hollywood Plaza and Futurist show films, as well as the Stephen Joseph Theatre on occasions, the town has been identified as one of the largest in the UK not to have a multi-screen cinema, the nearest being York or Hull.

Mr Goodwill said: “A multiplex cinema would be a great asset for Scarborough – particularly in the town centre so it is accessible for tourists rather than on the outskirts. The Futurist and the Hollywood Plaza are a bit tired and haven’t had any investment so a modern new multiplex will be a welcome boost for residents along the coast, who often travel as far as York to watch a film. I would like to extend full praise to Nikolas Shaw in having the confidence to push ahead with this.”

Apollo Leisure also planned to build a new mixed-use development, incorporating a casino, in the town’s North Bay if it won the license.

Both companies had been allowed through to stage two of the bidding process for the license before it emerged Apollo was pulling out on Monday.

The Government identified the town as one of only eight local authorities authorised to give out a small casino license in 2008.

The license allows an operator to run a casino with up to 40 gaming tables and 80 gaming machines.