Your Skipton Radio

6:00pm - 6:30am

Email the studio

Michael Jackson

Beat It

Listen Live Podcasts

Council update on operator of Alpamare water park

Thursday, 19 February 2026 07:26

By Anttoni James Numminen, Local Democracy Reporter

Alpamare Water Park in Scarborough.

'All options' remain on the table in discussions over the future of a popular North Yorkshire water park.

North Yorkshire Council took control of Alpamare in Scarborough after the collapse of the site’s developer, and it was reopened in July 2024 under the operation of Flamingo Land.

Flamingo Land originally secured a contract to run it for 12 months, with an option to extend its lease for a further year.

Commenting on future plans for Alpamare, Gary Fielding, the corporate director for resources, said:

“We are already actively exploring all options for the future of the site, including any potential interest within the wider North Bay area plans.

“Flamingo Land continues to operate Alpamare under the current agreement and will do so until at least the end of October.

“Our priority is to ensure the long-term operational and financial stability of the venue so it continues to contribute positively to Scarborough’s leisure and tourism offer."

NYC previously said that the site’s commercial performance will be reviewed, and in 2024, the council did not rule out subsidising the waterpark in the longer term.

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.

Ten years after the loan was granted behind closed doors, 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”.

A year ago, NYC soft-launched a marketing exercise aiming to deliver “significant financial returns” by redeveloping Scarborough’s North Bay attractions.

Sites including the former Atlantis Waterpark and Marvel’s theme park, the former Indoor Pool, the Northstead Gardens, and Alpamare water park, could be redeveloped to boost the local economy, the authority said.

More from Local news

Skipton BID asks traders to join Yorkshire Day 2026

Skipton BID is calling on local traders to join the Yorkshire Day celebrations in the town this year.
New Litter Awards to recognise local environmental heroes

The new Thomas Black Local Litter Awards aim to recognise volunteers, groups and businesses improving our local environment and celebrate efforts in litter clearing, conservation and community engagement.
Local runners take on the London Marathon to support Children’s Charity

Two dedicated fundraisers, Joe Gaughan and Simon Horsfall, are preparing to take on the iconic London Marathon this year in support of Skipton based, The Principle Trust Children’s Charity.
Council plans to introduce 50p charge for public toilets

Plans to introduce a 50p charge for using some public toilets across North Yorkshire are set to be considered by councillors later this month.
North Yorkshire Council launches legal action over road repair funding decision

North Yorkshire Council has begun legal action against York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority (CA) over a decision which council chiefs say will mean a £20m loss in funding for road repairs.
Candidates announced for Ilkley/Addingham and Airedale wards at Bradford local elections

Voters will head to the polls in May for a major shake-up of local democracy, with every Bradford Council seat being contested in an 'all-out' election.
Care home's Plank Against Cancer challenge

This April, staff and friends of The Raikes Residential Home in Silsden are coming together to take on a simple, but powerful challenge, a 2-minute plank every day, for the entire month.
New cake shop opens in Skipton

A brand new cake shop opened in Skipton at the beginning of this month.
BID celebrates Skipton’s recent national recognition

Skipton BID is celebrating Skipton as a must-visit destination following recent national recognition.
Rotary announce 'Eco Day' at Town Hall

Skipton Rotary announced the arrival of an 'Eco Day' at the Skipton Town Hall.
Burglars enter property on Skipton High Street

North Yorkshire Police are investigating a burglary that happened last Sunday.
Changes to Skipton Bus Station to take place next place

Services in Skipton will be affected next week due to improvement works at the town’s bus station.
The Stock Room in Skipton announces closure

The Stock Room on Pembroke Street Skipton.
Veteran comedian Jimmy Cricket to perform in Silsden

"Come'ere There's More", Jimmy Cricket headlines Silsden Town Hall, supported by his daughter Katie Mulgrew, and resident comic, Howard Walker.
Skipton charity receives Easter egg donation to brighten children's holidays

The Principle Trust Children’s Charity is delighted to announce a series of generous Easter egg donations from local businesses, helping to bring joy to children supported by the charity this Easter.
North Yorkshire Police to roll out facial recognition technology

North Yorkshire Police has announced it's planning to implement Live Facial Recognition (LFR) technology within York and North Yorkshire.
Doctors strikes will 'particularly impact Airedale A&E' bosses say

Strike action by resident doctors will disrupt services at Airedale Hospital from 7am on Tuesday 7 April until 7am on Monday 13 April 2026.
Northern trains expected to 'run normally' this Easter, passengers told

Northern says the majority of its services will run as normal over the Easter bank holiday, while reminding customers to plan ahead and check before travelling.
Changes to Craven bus services over Easter

Bus services in the Craven District will be amended over Easter weekend, and increased DalesBus services into and around the Yorkshire Dales National Park will restart for the summer season.
Skipton Tree Top Climbing Centre opens for last ever season

Raven Tree Top Adventure in Skipton announced they were open for their season.