News Archive
Opening of Open Air Theatre Delayed
09th Jan 2009
Scarborough Evening News has today reported delays in the refurbishment of Scarborough’s Open Air Theatre
Plans to revamp the historic North Bay venue, which was once a huge attraction to both locals and Scarborough hotel visitors, were given official approval by Scarborough Council’s planning and development committee in October. At the time it was hoped the theatre would be open by this summer, but it now seems likely that the attraction will open almost a year later than expected.
This week David Archer, the council’s strategic director, said it was hoped that work would start during the summer and that the theatre should be open by Easter 2010.
He said: “Works prior to the main construction contract are already under way, including the draining and removal of debris at Northstead Manor Gardens lake.
“Hoardings are also being erected around the site to protect wildlife habitats and form part of the site security as the works progress. Artwork originally displayed on the North Bay promenade will be mounted on to the hoarding with new artwork and information boards following throughout the year.”
The council is working on the project, which forms part of the multi-million pound Sands development, with Benchmark Leisure Ltd.
When the plans were passed it was reported that the developers would have to take into account great crested newts, which were living on site and are protected by law, before any construction work could begin.
At the beginning of December the wooden hoardings were placed around the Open Air Theatre’s seating area. The hoardings were previously used at the Sands North Bay apartments work site – workers felt they should be recycled rather than just dumped.
The huge renovation project forms part of the £150 million Sands development and the first phase has already been completed, with residents occupying the multi-million-pound apartment blocks.
The revamped Open Air Theatre, in Northstead Manor Gardens, will include the reconstruction of seating terraces with a central area covered by a canopy, “dancing waters” fountain in front of the main stage, renovation of the old lighting tower, new buildings for toilets, ticket sales and information, new stages and pontoon, temporary market stalls for certain events and a new adventure playground.
Plans show that the amphitheatre terraces will provide seating for up to 7,000 spectators with individual folding “stadium” seats.
