Pontin’s reveals plans for the multi-million investment of its holiday parks
The Chief Executive of Ocean Parcs, owner of Pontin’s Ltd, Ian Smith today revealed plans for the multi-million pound investment for the further development of its holiday parks. It is anticipated, subject to various planning application approvals that the development will take between 3 – 5 years with an increase in investment and job creation further than the £50 million announced in February.
Prestatyn Sands Holiday Park will have its amenities extensively developed during 2010 and will see its capacity increased over the next three years. The development will include:
• A new Ocean Spa complex
• An extended and enhanced leisure pool facility
• Extended themed restaurant and café facilities
• New themed, amusement arcade
• New Bingo, Betting and Adult Gaming facility
• Refurbished and re-themed, night club, bars and theatre/ballroom
• New covered ‘’Village Square’’ complex
Subject to planning permission the next generation of guest accommodation will be developed over the next three years and will see the Park grow to a capacity of 5,000 and eventually 7,500 with ownership opportunities for holiday makers and investors and an additional 300 Park jobs and 200 construction jobs.
Brean Sands Holiday Park will have its amenities extensively developed during 2010 and will see its capacity increased over the next three years. The development will include:
• A new Ocean Spa complex
• An extended and enhanced leisure pool facility
• Extended themed restaurant and café facilities
• New themed, amusement arcade
• New Bingo, Betting and Adult Gaming facility
• Refurbished and re-themed, night club, bars and theatre/ballroom
Subject to planning permission the next generation of guest accommodation will be developed over the next three years and will see the Park grow to a capacity of 4,000 and eventually 6,000 with ownership opportunities for holiday makers and investors and an additional 250 Park jobs and 200 construction jobs.
Southport Holiday Park plans for the complete re-development are under discussion with the local authorities and stakeholders prior to submission of a detailed planning application. The potential investment for this development, subject to planning approval, will be in excess of £100m and will create an additional 250 Park jobs and 600 construction jobs.
The plans will create a holiday and leisure facility, unique in the UK and will include:
• The next generation of eco friendly, highly efficient and comfortable holiday accommodation set in a seaside Holiday Village environment
• A hotel and conference facility
• Retail, Bars, Restaurants and Café’s
• An iconic lido leisure facility and sports/health club
It is intended that the facilities will be available to non guests, so further enhancing Ainsdale as a leisure and holiday destination.
Lowestoft (Pakefield) Holiday Park – Subject to planning approval the park will double in capacity and extend to over 100 acres at this stunning beachside location. Extensive design work and consultation has taken place over the last 12 months and a planning application will be submitted in the very near future. Plans will include:
• Doubling the size and capacity of the Park creating a natural, open seaside feel over 100 acres and with an emphasis on the sustainable environment
• An Ocean Spa complex
• A leisure golf course
• A Village Centre entertainment venue
• An extended leisure pool facility
• Extended and refurbished night club and theatre/ballroom
• Extended sports facilities, both indoor and outdoor
• Extended Bar, Restaurant and Café facilities
Subject to planning permission the next generation of guest accommodation both catered and self catering, will be developed over the next three years and will see the park grow to a capacity of 3,000 guests and an additional 150 Park jobs and 200 construction jobs.
Camber Sands Holiday Park – detailed consultation has already started regarding the redevelopment of the Park that will empathise with the local area and significantly add to the holiday and leisure offer. We expect to be able to submit a planning application in 2010. The plans will create a destination holiday and leisure facility and will include:
• The next generation of eco friendly, highly efficient and comfortable holiday accommodation set in a seaside Holiday Village environment
• Retail, Bars, Restaurants and Café’s
• A Village Centre entertainment venue
• An extended leisure pool facility
Subject to planning permission the next generation of guest accommodation will see the park grow to a capacity of 6,000 guests and an additional 200 Park jobs and 250 construction jobs.
Ian Smith, Chief Executive of Ocean Parcs and Pontin’s commented:
“Initial refurbishment has been taking place across the Parks. We are very excited about 2010 and beyond where, subject to planning approvals, our investment and job creation will increase substantially above that announced in February this year – at our Southport Park alone we intend to invest over £100 million and create over 850 jobs.”
Ian Smith continued: “In commencing our strategic long term development plans, it is with regret and sadness that we will not be extending the development plans to our Blackpool Holiday Park. It was not an easy decision for the Board to make but the level of investment required for a short period of time and a reduction in holiday bookings at the Park, which is the reverse of the trends at our other Parks, means that it is not commercially viable to continue beyond the end of the current lease.
I must emphasise that our decision in no way reflects upon our Blackpool colleagues who have worked extremely hard to deliver the Pontin’s experience and provide great holidays for our guests. We are currently in consultation with our team at Blackpool regarding the future. We will be doing everything possible to employ those affected at Blackpool elsewhere in the business as we develop and expand.
I would like to also take this opportunity to thank the Pontin’s Team across the Parks who have all worked extremely hard over the past 18 months providing outstanding value for money holidays and unforgettable experiences for our guests. Our plans for our Parks at Prestatyn, Camber, Brean Sands, Southport and Lowestoft (Pakefield) will bring enhanced benefits to both staff and guests as we develop and grow the business over the long-term.
Our outstanding value for money proposition has proved very successful and we will actively continue to improve and modernise what is an iconic holiday brand whilst we roll out our development plans. In parallel we are actively looking to further expand and enhance the brand across the UK.”
For further information, please contact:
Chris Lynch – business/financial media:
Mobile: 07802 965 591/07776258555
Pam Knight – trade/consumer media:
Mobile: 07836 704224/07958 467289
Tuesday 8th September 2009
