EXCLUSIVE: First look at new cinema

The seven-screen cinema will open in summer next year and will be run by leading national operator The Light Cinemas.

Following outline planning approval last year, a reserved matters application is being submitted by Waterpark developer Benchmark Leisure to Scarborough Council this week that will include the final details of materials and design.

Some of the demolitions on the site has already been started to ensure the cinema is open during next year’s summer season.

Work came to a stop due to the discovery of an unknown pipe underground, which required more investigations. Construction is expected to start on site in May or June this year.

The cinema development will also include apartments, multi-storey car park and restaurants. Last week, plans for a rival cinema and restaurant development were submitted for the Argos building in Newborough but Benchmark told The Scarborough News that it would not stop it pressing on with its North Bay scheme.

A spokesman for Benchmark Leisure, the developers, said: “This will be very exciting for the town and beyond and we are very proud to be delivering this multiplex cinema and leisure complex that will be used by both visitors and residents.

“It will build on the success of previous phases of the North Bay regeneration and be a major economic boost for Scarborough.

“We are aware of outline plans being submitted for another cinema in Scarborough but they will not affect our delivery plans for this, which we have been working on for many years.”

Keith Pullinger, chief executive of The Light Cinemas added: “We are delighted to commit to this exciting new development coming to Scarborough.

“The North Bay scheme is now set to be a major leisure hub for the region and we are looking forward to opening our seven-screen premium cinema, as part of our national rollout of luxury cinemas.”