Much-loved holiday park undergoes huge makeover – and now it’s being used for a very different purpose
A MUCH-loved holiday park is undergoing a huge makeover – and now it’s being used for a very different purpose.
Hundreds of thousands of visitors used to swarm the seaside tourist spot in Somerset every year.
But the popular Brean Sands Pontins has now closed to the public as its getting a £2million renovation.
It’s set to house 900 construction staff who will be working at Hinkley Point C – the nuclear power station set to open in 2027.
And while the holiday park will be shut off to the public for the time being, it will open as a new, refurbished spot for families enjoy in coming years.
The current park is made up of a whopping 600 chalets, a leisure complex, swimming pool, shop, and outdoor facilities like play areas and lush green spots.
The future of the destination had been up in the air as it needed modernising – and the funding to get it up to scratch.
But now French energy giant EDF pouring the money into it – creating a facility which will be enjoyed by holidaymakers when the workers move out in three years’ time.
The company is said to have already started revamping the chalets, seeing them fitted out with new kitchens, bathrooms, furniture, TVs, and all-new Wi-Fi access.
The restaurant, bar and laundry areas have also been upgraded and a brand-new gym installed.
The pool will still be open for the community to use, while the workers are able to bring their families in to enjoy the existing facilities.
Tommy Marshall, an industrial relations manager, told SomersetLive: “I’ve been living here for six months, and it suits me because I can really make my chalet my own.
“My partner and six children, who live in Ireland, also come to stay with me regularly.
“The kids absolutely love it because there’s loads for them to do – like the beach, the amusement arcades and getting an ice-cream.
“They wish they could live here all the time.”
It’s not unusual for holiday parks to get massive multi million-pound upgrades.
More than £170m is set to be poured into multiple Haven-operated parks this year.
The cash injection will support expansion plans, including new activity and entertainment facilities, as well as an increase in new holiday homes.
And a holiday park that Brit mums say is “better and cheaper than Center Parcs” has revealed it is also undertaking a huge £30m renovation.
Bluestone National Park Resort has recently won praise for being a more affordable option to Center Parcs.
And the park has since revealed the new additions coming to the resort this month.