THE derelict Royal Opera House, in St Thomas Street, Scarborough, which has

been gutted since three arson attacks, is set to be pulled down to make way for a casino, leisure complex and restaurant.

The 120-year-old 1,000-seat theatre was saved from demolition in 1976 when Scarborough businessman Don Robinson stepped in at the 11th hour and bought the building, which was later restored and became a top seaside show venue.

Now, councillors have given the green light for the remainder of the building to be demolished, subject to approval of the Government Office, in Leeds.

English Heritage said the theatre, a listed building, was no longer viable. However, the Theatres Trust, a body which campaigns for the survival of theatres, objected to the proposal. Its director, Peter Longman, said the theatre had been a victim of "wilful neglect".

He called for a study to be carried out on the theatre scene in Scarborough generally, before any decision was taken. "The trust has long held the view that there is scope in Scarborough for a medium-scale theatre

which could complement the Stephen Joseph Theatre.

"It has not been suggested that the building is not capable of re-use, merely that it is not considered to be a cost-effective option to do so," said Mr Longman.

Updated: 10:52 Wednesday, November 26, 2003