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Pontin’s to close Blackpool holiday park
Tuesday, 09 Sep, 2009
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Pontin’s holiday park in Blackpool is to shut following a slump in bookings.
The closure at the end of the month was disclosed as the company released details of a £100 million investment to create 850 jobs at one other site alone as part of overall expansion plans.
Ian Smith, chief executive of Pontin’s owner Ocean Parcs, said: “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.”
He added: “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.”
Pontin’s unveiled development plans over three to five years for other parks
The planned investment is in addition to £50 million announced in February.
Developments will take place at Prestatyn Sands Holiday Park, Brean Sands Holiday Park, the completed re-development of Southport Holiday Park, Lowestoft (Pakefield) Holiday Park and Camber Sands Holiday Park.
Smith added: “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.
“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.”
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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