Scarborough Borough Council has approved plans submitted by North Yorkshire-based Benchmark Leisure to turn Scarborough’s North Bay into a £120m destination called The Sands.

The mixed-use scheme will include a covered waterpark, a 147-bedroom hotel, a health and fitness club, bars and restaurants.

The first phase of the scheme will focus on the private residential construction, which is expected to take up to 15 months.

The entire 55-acre development is expected to be completed within three to five years.

Benchmark has commissioned Leeds-based Carey Jones Architects to design The Sands development. Details: www.thesandsnorthbay.co.uk