A MULTI-million pound redevelopment of Dyserth Falls Resort is continuing and good progress is being made.
The latest developments on the project include gutting out the cabins. All the log cabins are said to be in good condition but are being refurbished.
"The cabins themselves have good foundations and exteriors, so the next focus point is the deckings.
"We are working with the Rhyl-based company, Deckings Direct, to install deckings on all 78 lodges. Some will have hot tubs too, which will be perfect for families and couples looking for a romantic getaway in the stunning hills of Graig Fawr mountain.”
It is hoped the resort can open within the next 18 months.
The project has been deemed as the ultimate ‘father-son’ project, with each of the four directors from the Lyons-Mound family inputting their knowledge, skills, and passion.
Geoff Lyons-Mound Jnr, 19, said: “I’ve learned everything from my dad, from how to start a business from nothing, and develop them into well-known, vibrant establishments. Hard work and dedication have been ingrained in us from an early age, and the thing we all love most about this third-generation business is that its family run – we get to bounce off ideas with each other and work together towards a common goal. That’s all you could ask for at the end of the day.”
His father, Geoff-Lyons Mound, said: “We have always been about progression, and it’s great to see my two sons, Danny and Geoff, develop into diligent, young individuals who are at such a young age already running certain aspects in the day-to-day operations of two leading Lyons parks. We take a hands-on approach when it comes to business – we all do. Our ethic is about being present, taking an interest in the everyday elements of the company.
"We ensure we’re always around to create trusting and lasting relationships with employees from park manager level to coffee shop baristas, to arcade assistants.”
Joseph Lyons-Mound, 19, said the former Graic Parc had been on their radar for years.
"When it went into liquidation, we then decided it was a great opportunity to expand our group and offer something we haven’t done before," he said.
"We went to the drawing board and threw around some ideas before finally -and unanimously - deciding that this would be a great decision. We’ve all inputted into the design and concepts, and we each have our own area of expertise.
“Myself and my cousin (Geoff) are overseeing the construction of the decking on the 78 lodges. My dad (Joseph) is ensuring the refurbishments in the hotel rooms, including the guttering and roofing is on track. My uncle is really interested in the leisure and spa facilities, which means refurbishing the swimming pool, steam room, and the indoor restaurant.
"I’m really looking forward to seeing the bar and terrace open so people can sit outside, have a drink and enjoy the beautiful Clwydian views."
The patriarch of this set-up is Geoff Lyons-Mound Snr, father to Joseph and Geoff, and grandfather to, Geoff Jnr, Joseph Jnr, Danny Mound, 17, and Levi, 14, all of whom are involved in the running of the company.
Mr Mound said his vision is for the Lyons group to keep expanding as it has done since its origin in 1924.
“Originally, Lyons Camp started out as a holiday camp by my grandfather, Joseph Lyons, for ex-army bell tents," he said.
"It went from tents to converted single decker buses which were modified inside to create units with a kitchen, lounge, and bedroom at end of bus. After that it became wooden chalets, then static caravans followed.
“We’ve always been family orientated from the early days. We have all invested a great deal of time, effort, and love into this business, from when my grandfather had it, then my mother and father, then myself, then Geoff and Joseph, then the grandsons. In terms of the Lyons camp, it’s actually got the fifth generation working on park now.
“I’d like to see it continue growing. It’s certainly grown from my day, from my son’s day, and it continues to adapt now. We have forever been reacting to consumer needs, and we will continue to do this for many years. We’re always revamping this or that, most notably so with Dyserth Falls now.”
The scheme provides funding to create placements for 16-to 24-year-olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long-term unemployment.
The multi-million pound development at Dyserth Falls includes creating 18 new hotel rooms and 79 wooden lodges.
The site spans more than seven acres.
Beth Hughes, PR executive, said: “We’ll be working with local companies for the interiors for the lodges which will all have private bathrooms, kitchen facilities, living area, sleeping areas and toilet/showers. Very different to the converted single-decker buses we had on our original Lyons camp in the 1920s.
"The interior of the hotel is also being redone, with the guttering coming out, and all the old elements of the spa and pool being demolished as we speak.
"This spa, along with the lovely terraced area we are aiming to open within the next 18 months, will be a wonderful place to relax, retreat and have a cappuccino overlooking the old watch tower and Vale of Clwyd.”
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