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Plans for a £100million revamp of Southport’s Pontin’s Holiday Park have now been revealed.
Subject to planning approval, a holiday and leisure facility said to be “unique in the UK” will be created at the Ainsdale site.
Following previous £50million plans announced in February this year, owners Ocean Parcs now hope to bring the increased investment along with 250 new park jobs and 600 construction jobs to the site.
Plans for the complete re-development, which will hopefully take place between three and five years, are currently under discussion with the local authorities and stakeholders before a detailed planning application is submitted.
They include a hotel and conference facility, an “iconic” lido leisure facility and sports/health club and a range of shops, bars, restaurants and cafes.
The new site will also be greener with “the next generation of eco friendly, highly efficient and comfortable holiday accommodation set in a seaside Holiday Village environment.”
It is intended the facilities will also be available to non-guests, providing a further boost to the area as a leisure and holiday destination.
The Ainsdale park is one of five Pontin’s Holiday Parks across the UK that Ocean Parcs hope to redevelop, including other sites in Somerset, Suffolk, Sussex and North Wales. However development plans will not stretch to Blackpool’s Pontin’s Holiday Park, making Southport the only major project in the North West.
The company’s chief executive, Ian Smith, said: “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.
“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.”
Southport Partnership manager Stefan Jankowski welcomed the announcement. He told The Champion: “Ocean Parcs is a great project and can only benefit Southport and the surrounding area.
“Ian Smith has a vision, that will remove a tired holiday camp and replace it with an upmarket, high quality tourist destination which will compliment the Classic Resort offer of Southport.”
Ainsdale Conservative councillor Brenda Porter also said the plans would be “good for Southport and Ainsdale overall.” She added: “It’s a boost for the town, this is the place to be. It will help us through the recession and it will be great for jobs.
“Ocean Parcs’ vision is absolutely wonderful. They are very conscious of the local community, as well as all the visitors coming in.”
By Natasha Young
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