By Vision revealed for new Scunthorpe leisure complex
An ambitious vision has been revealed for a new leisure complex near Scunthorpe United’s Sands Venue Stadium.
The scheme would include new shops, as well as a 120-room hotel, gym and five restaurants.
The 1.2-hectare site is currently vacant scrubland but would be transformed.
Plans have been submitted to North Lincolnshire Council by Middlesex-based Rafkins (Scunthorpe) Leisure Park Limited.
It is estimated that the development would create more than 100 full-time equivalent jobs.
The investment in the area has been welcomed, although concerns have been raised around a possible increase in litter.
Residents say that this is already a problem near existing restaurants around the site.
A letter submitted on behalf of Rafkins with the planning application says:
“The proposed development would deliver a wide range of benefits through further investment to the north-west of Scunthorpe in an established retail and leisure location.
“Benefits include the creation of over 100 full-time equivalent jobs in a sustainable location close to bus stops and existing and future residential development.
“Further benefits include the creation of opportunities for local supply chains to benefit through providing goods, services and skills and further job opportunities through construction of the development.
“Additional economic benefits are associated with the visitor economy through provision of a hotel close to Glanford Park football stadium.
“The development would also result in an improved offer of social and leisure activities in an established visitor location, therefore contributing towards the social and cultural wellbeing of local residents.”
A total of 158 car parking spaces are also planned as part of the scheme.
No details have yet been released about the shopping or restaurant brands which could occupy the new units.
Burringham and Gunness ward councillor Josh Walshe, said:
“The investment in this area and the jobs it will bring is certainly welcome, particularly at a time like this.
“However, I know that local residents have concerns about the amount of litter already generated by restaurants around the site, and I have worked with a number of groups to keep the area tidy.
“Residents also regularly raise the issue of traffic on Doncaster Road and it seems likely that the proposed development would increase this further.
“However, the detrunking of the M181 will help to alleviate this in the future.
“I will be voicing residents’ concerns when this application comes to the council’s planning committee.”
The leisure development is the latest major scheme to be proposed in Scunthorpe and the surrounding area.
It is close to the site where thousands of new homes, along with leisure and business facilities, are proposed as part of the giant Lincolnshire Lakes scheme.
The leisure complex plans come a year after Scunthorpe United were granted permission for a £30million redevelopment of the club’s stadium.
Contact Gi Scunthorpe News
Email us: scunthorpenews@gi-media.co.uk
