Alpamare: Search for new Scarborough water park operator

Alpamare was opening in 2016 at a cost of £14m

A three-week search has begun to find a new operator for a North Yorkshire water park.

Alpamare, in Scarborough, closed in October after previous owners Benchmark Leisure Ltd went into administration.

North Yorkshire Council, which took control of the site in December, said it was looking for an operator on a short-term 12-month rental agreement.

The authority said it was hopeful of reopening the facility in time for the start of the summer season.

The council's assistant director for commercial, property and procurement, Kerry Metcalfe, said: "We are working hard to confirm a new tenant to reopen the facility in time for the main 2024 summer season.

"Once that is in place, we can look to the longer-term options."

The £14m park, located off Burniston Road, which opened in 2016 and featured indoor and outdoor pools, waterslides, spa and cafe.

In 2022, figures showed Benchmark still owed £7.8m of public money. The council said applications to run the park must be lodged by 3 May.