‘Cinema wars’ are re-ignited
Could two cinemas survive?
The cinema wars in Scarborough have started up once more. The company behind the new multiplex cinema at North Bay has objected to the recently submitted cinema plans at Newborough.
Benchmark Leisure has submitted an objection to the proposals and has queried that further information is required to fully assess the application.
The grounds for objection include loss of office space, parking and transport issues.
A spokesman for Benchmark Leisure commented: “It is clear to us that a lot of further information is required before a decision can be made on this application.
“We have been working on our plans for many years and look forward to delivering a scheme at North Bay that everyone can be proud of and will offer maximum benefits to the town.”
It was recently announced that The Light Cinemas would be operating the North Bay cinema and demolition work has already commenced to ensure it can be open next year.
The work has been briefly halted after a live electrical cable was discovered to be running under the former Atlantis site in North Bay.
The Newborough cinema would be located in the building where Argos is currently situated and, like the Benchmark application, would also feature a number of restaurants alongside the multiscreen cinema.
The groups behind both bids separately indicated that Scarborough could not support two cinema developments within the town.