Successful bid made for Alpamare water park

A successful bid has been made for Alpamare water park in Scarborough, the local authority has confirmed.

North Yorkshire Council, which took control of the site after the collapse of former operator Benchmark Leisure in 2023, put the attraction up for sale last May.

It has confirmed a preferred bidder has been chosen, which has plans to improve the energy efficiency of the facility as part of refurbishments. The bidder has not been named.

The water park is expected to be reopened by the buyer in the first quarter of 2027, according to the council.

In the meantime, the site will continue to be operated by Flamingo Land under its existing lease arrangement, which is due to expire on 31 October.

Kerry Metcalfe, assistant director for commercial, property and procurement at the council, said: "We are pleased with the level of interest in the sale of Alpamare.

"There are transitional matters to resolve now but the successful bid paves the way for private sector investment in the water park that will protect its future as a key visitor attraction and preserve a well-loved local venue."

Metcalfe added this would allow the council to "step back" from future investment and liabilities, protecting residents from any further costs.

"This is important to us as we do not believe the council is best placed to operate an attraction of this nature," she said.

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