Detailed plans for the next stage of the multi-million pound ‘The Sands’ development in Scarborough, have now formally been submitted to Scarborough Council’s planning department on behalf of developers Benchmark Leisure.

The latest plan for The Sands project, on the site of the former Atlantis waterpark, Mr Marvels and Kinderland fun parks, includes a new all-year-round water park – complete with giant ‘tornado slide’, a family restaurant and holiday homes.

As well as a much needed top quality attraction for both visitors and locals, it is believed that this next phase of The Sands development will create over 100 jobs in Scarborough. Figures printed in Scarborough’s Evening News suggest that around 60 jobs will be created at the water park, 35 jobs at the holiday accommodation and 10 jobs at the new Scarborough restaurant.

The submitted plans state that the long promised water park is integral to the redevelopment of The Sands project in order to meet the aspirations for both tourism and the economy in Scarborough.

The new water park will replace the old Atlantis water park, which was demolished several years ago, and will ensure that a major local attraction returns to the North Bay area, helping to regain the holiday resort characteristics which have been sadly lacking for many years.

The new water park is expected to be the first element of the development to be brought forward, with construction hopefully beginning in late 2013. It is then expected that the rest of the development will follow on over a staggered timescale throughout the next few years.

As well as a tornado water slide the water park is also to include an indoor wave pool, a children’s pool, an outdoor family pool, a lazy river and a spa.

The site of the former ‘Mr Marvels’ is earmarked for the creation of The Bayview Holiday village, while the old Kinderland is set to be the site of 29 new holiday lodges. Car parking for up to 492 will also be made available on a grass overspill parking area off Burniston Road.

The people of Scarborough paid their respects to Sir Jimmy Savile this week as the popular celebrity was buried in the seaside town.

The former DJ and presenter died at his home in Leeds on 29 October, aged 84 and, following a three-day celebration of his life, was this week buried at the Woodlands Cemetery in his beloved Scarborough.

Funeral director Robert Morphet was quoted on the BBC website as saying that Sir Jimmy’s coffin was set at an angle “to enable him to see the sea”.

Many hundreds of people visited Leed’s Queens Hotel earlier in the week where Sir Jimmy’s coffin was on public display. The following day fans also congregated to pay their respects at his funeral at Leeds Cathedral.

On Thursday well-wishers lined Scarborough’s Esplanade and Foreshore as the funeral cortege passed by. Silence eventually gave way to ripples applause as his Sir Jimmy’s casket travelled down to South Bay.

The cortege continued along Scarborough’s South Bay where a message in large red letters, on front The Futurist Theatre read simply “Goodbye Jimmy”.

Sir Jimmy was buried wearing one of his trademark tracksuits along with a ‘Help The Heroes’ wristband and his treasured green beret, presented to him in the 1970s by the Royal Marines.

Photo credit: Treasure Trails North Yorkshire/Facebook

Scarborough’s very own Sands Apartments were crowned best Self Catering Apartments in Yorkshire at the ‘White Rose Awards’ this month, organised by Welcome to Yorkshire.

The other big local winner was The Crown Spa Hotel Scarborough, who took home first place in the award for Sustainable Tourism. The Crown Spa were also nominated in the category for Large Hotel of the Year.

The White Rose Awards are the annual industry awards for the tourism industry in Yorkshire and are designed to celebrate the regions top accommodation, local attractions and events.

The two Scarborough accommodation providers will now automatically progress to the finals of the national VisitEngland Awards which will be held in 2012.

Many other businesses local to Scarborough were also nominated for an award including: The Copper Horse in Seamer; Jasmine Caravan Park in Snainton; 17 Burgate in Pickering; The Blue Bell Inn in Weaverthorpe; All Seasons Guest House in Filey; The Leeway in Whitby; Yorkshire Lavender at Terrington; White Swan Inn in Pickering; Cedarbarn Farm Shop in Pickering and Pickering Tourist Information Centre.

Gary Verity, Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire was quoted in the Scarborough Evening News as Saying “These awards are a celebration of all that is great about tourism in Yorkshire and it was extremely difficult for the judges to choose the winners from such an amazing collection of nominees.”

The number of Staycations taken by UK holidaymakers where up 3% in the first half of 2011 according to VisitEngland, the national tourist board of England.

Staycation is a relatively new term used to describe the growing trend of holidaying at home due mainly to the tough economic climate. The increase in the number of such UK breaks is, it is believed, owed partly to the extra bank holiday in 2001, introduced for the royal wedding as well with good weather experienced in the early part of summer.

The report regarding staycations, which was released at the Association of British Travel Agents convention in Majorca, also showed increased spending by holidaymakers year on year, listing an increase of 10% compared to the previous year.

VisitEngland were however quick to issue a warning before hotel owners got too excited, suggesting a lack of consumer confidence and poorer weather later in the summer may lead to businesses under performing throughout the school holiday period.

Referring to the figures in the report James Berresford, Chief Executive of VisitEngland said “We know the trend for staycations is still popular but we must continue work hard ensuring that it continues and that UK holiday makers continue to be inspired to choose England as their main holiday destination for 2012.”

Although the end of summer did turn out to be a little disappointing Scarborough hotels did get a welcome boast in September with an unexpected period of warm weather. The bizarre weather saw locals, visitors and holidaymakers making the most of the sunshine on the beach right up until 1st October.