Hopes door can reopen for Flamingo Land plans on Scarborough Futurist site
We've been getting reaction after we told you yesterday the resort's pulled out due to a lack of discussions with the authority
It is hoped the door can be re-opened for Flamingo Land to express their interest in Scarborough's former Futurist Theatre site.
We have been getting reaction after we told you yesterday it is withdrawing due to a lack of discussion with the Borough Council.
The Conservative Group at the authority has given their take on the matter.
Deputy Leader, Heather Philips, said: "It's immensely frustrating but I'm afraid it's indicative of many projects in Scarborough where the lack of engagement from Cllr. Siddons has left people in limbo. He professes to be open, transparent and engages but unfortunately doesn't afford to practice this as evidenced by Mr. Gibb.
"I think that the project if it had come to fruition, even as it was being developed, would have meant local jobs and it's very evident that the wheel and the crazy golf have not employed the same number of people as it could have done. The Castle ward and the town centre are very deprived areas.
"I think I believe Mr. Gibbs because he's shown a marvellous commitment to Scarborough in the last few years in continuing to try and engage with the leader. Cllr. Siddons needs to take responsibility for this and hopefully this rejection should be taken seriously and consideration for any other regeneration project in Scarborough.
"There's some very important changes in local Government happening and hopefully the door can be re-opened with a good outcome for Scarborough. I would love it to be the preferred bidder because I think you should reward his commitment to the town but if Flamingo Land have finally had enough then I can really, really sympathize with them as well."
You can watch the full interview here as Heather speaks to Greatest Hits Radio's Karen Liu:
Councillor Steve Siddons, leader of Scarborough Borough Council, said:
“While we have been in discussions with Flamingo Land as our preferred bidder for some time, there has never been a formal legal agreement between us for the site.
"Flamingo Land is therefore at liberty to withdraw its interest in developing the site at any time.
"Flamingo Land's decision opens up opportunities with alternative investors and we will continue to work up acceptable proposals.
"It is important to ensure whatever is eventually built on the site is appropriate for the location and adds value to the town."