The stunning restoration of the pier will be complemented by a £30m leisure scheme called Ocean Plaza. The scheme was delayed when developer Crowngate would not pay an £8m bond. Contractor Shepherd halted work and lost about £3m on the project. The council is now negotiating with developer Portfolio Holdings to get the scheme back on track. The project received £3.5m in Objective One funding.
Once completed, the water park will be accompanied by restaurants, a multiplex cinema, a bowling alley and shops.
