PLANS are to be drawn up to turn a landmark into the premier conference centre on the east coast.

The Spa, in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, is seen as being key to the development of further business and tourism links in the town.

Yorkshire Forward, the regional development agency, has agreed to provide much of the funding for a £34,600 investigation of the plans.

In addition, the agency has had talks with council bosses about the development of an overall plan for the land between Aquarium Top and the recently landscaped South Bay Pool area to investigate strategic options for The Spa complex.

It is hoped the scheme will boost Scarborough's economy by attracting more conferences to the Grand Hall.

Peter Dahl, director of tourism and leisure at Scarborough Borough Council, said: "The re-born Spa is proposed for upgrading and renovation with facilities to create a world-class multi-functional centre for conferences, culture and the community.

"Our aim is to make the complex the premier conference centre on the east coast".