
An announcement is expected later today about a new operator for Scarborough's Alpamare Water Park
Yesterday North Yorkshire Council gave it's officers permission to enter detailed discussions with a potential short term operator for the site. It's expected that operator will be revealed at an event this lunchtime.
North Yorkshire Council took control of the waterpark in December last year when the previous operator went into administration.
The new operator is expected to be appointed on a short-term contract with the aim of seeing the attraction reopen to the public in time for this summer’s main tourism season.
While the efforts to reopen the facility ahead of the summer have been welcomed by local councillors there have been concerns expressed about the long-term use of the site.
Local councillor Rich Maw is concerned that longer term plans for the facility don't include community use.
Council Finance Chief - Councillor Gareth Dadd - says that widening the waterpark's use to include community leisure activities isn't part of the plan.
Councillor Dadd says that the objective for the waterpark is to to make sure it pays its way.
Councillor Michael Harrison is the Executive Member for Health, he feels the waterpark is significantly different to other swimming facilities in the county that offer public health benefits.
Councillor Simon Myers says that Scarborough already has community swimming facilities available at the Sports Village.
The council says that during the term of the short-term let of the Waterpark it intends to develop and take forward plans for its long-term operation. The informal tender documentation set out that the initial lease term offer is 12 months, with an option to extend for a further 12 months depending upon the progress of those plans.
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