A popular leisure park has been put up for sale by North Yorkshire Council.
The local authority took control of Alpamare, in Burniston Road, in Scarborough’s North Bay following the collapse of the site’s developer, and it was reopened in July 2024.
The operators of Flamingo Land, based in nearby Malton, originally secured a contract to run it for 12 months, with an option to extend its lease for a further year.
Gary Fielding, North Yorkshire Council’s corporate director of resources, said: “Alpamare is a well-established part of Scarborough’s vibrant visitor economy and has the potential to drive much broader economic benefits.
“We are looking to secure a sustainable, long-term future for the venue and we recognise that to support this some bidders may propose incorporating one or more of the vacant plots within the North Bay area.
“We will listen to all interest and consider options carefully based on those criteria.”
Earlier this year, the council said that “all options” for the future of the popular waterpark remained on the table.
The freehold acquisition of Alpamare offers a “great opportunity to enhance revenue in developing complementary activities and facilities within the landholding”, and also that of five development sites directly adjacent and in close proximity to it, according to property consultants Newmark and Stripe Leisure.
“These include a large 4.7-hectare plateau formerly used as an amusement park, and a gateway site with previous consent for a cinema and restaurants.”
The Waterpark hosts a large wavepool, children’s splash and play area, four waterslides, including the Snow Storm and Black Run, outdoor pools and a café, as well as a wellness suite with saunas, steam, treatment, and relaxation areas.
“It benefits from extensive parking and being close to other leisure facilities, including the Scarborough Open Air Theatre, Peasholm Park and the Sealife Centre, not to mention the beautiful sweep of North Bay’s beach, which attracts significant visitors, surfers and recreational swimmers,” the company added.
The attraction opened in 2016 with the help of a £9 million loan that was granted by the old Scarborough Borough Council to developer Benchmark Leisure Ltd.
But the developer went into administration in October 2023, leading North Yorkshire Council to take possession of the site and write off the £7.8 million that remained unpaid.
Last year, a fact-finding review by the council’s auditor concluded that the decision to grant a loan to Benchmark Leisure Limited was “undoubtedly risky”.
Richard Baldwin, director of Stripe Leisure, said: “This is a truly unique prospect to acquire and hold a purpose-built, modern waterpark with clear scope for enhancement.”
Leo Llewellyn, Associate at Newmark, said: “Alpamare is a rare opportunity to acquire a well-positioned leisure asset with real opportunity to build on the existing offer and strengthen North Bay’s appeal as a visitor destination.
“The combination of the waterpark, wellness facilities and surrounding development potential creates an exciting platform for long-term growth.”
