Big plans for Towyn holiday parks with ‘significant’ investment

SF Parks has received planning permission to build a new high ropes course, spa, sauna, and gym complex and wine bar at Whitehouse Leisure Park in Towyn.

The development will also feature an upgrade to the popular Jakes family restaurant and pub, an amusement arcade, a cinema room, and soft play.

An artist's impression of the new Whitehouse Leisure Park project (Image: Submitted)

These will complement the existing facilities, which include a crazy golf course and food and drinks outlets.

It comes as directors Jonathan and Oliver Seldon put forward proposals to construct a rooftop bar, bowling alley, reception area, and to extend the arcade at the neighbouring Golden Gate Holiday Centre.

The business – which has five parks in North Wales, employing up to 120 full time and seasonal staff – is also looking to increase the current seven-and-a-half-month season to 10-and-a-half months at Golden Gate.

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This is in a bid to employ more full-time workers, and to increase spend in the area.

"We are pleased to receive the green light and thankful to Conwy's planning team and councillors for their support," said Jonathan.

"Our vision is to keep enhancing the customer experience, keep investing in our parks and most importantly, contribute to the local economy through jobs and tourism.

An artist's impression of the new Whitehouse Leisure Park project (Image: Submitted)

"As well as the improvements we are making to our facilities, we are pushing to increase the season from seven-and-a-half months to 10-and-a-half months.

“That will enable us to recruit more people full-time, rather than seasonal workers, which in turn will have a positive effect on employment in this area and allow owners to enjoy the park facilities for a longer period.

"Our aim is for Towyn to be busy all the time, not just for part of the year, so we hope to receive positive news on that front soon.

"The investment we are making at Whitehouse and Golden Gate is significant and to be followed by upgrades to our other parks.

"We are always looking at the bigger picture and want to expand in the future, while at the same time building on the overall customer experience and developing our identity as one of the region's top hospitality and tourism operators."

An artist's impression of the new Whitehouse Leisure Park project (Image: Submitted)

In addition to Whitehouse and Golden Gate – which hosts more than 830 caravans - SF Parks owns Riverside and Sun Valley in Rhuddlan, and Sirior Bach in Moelfre, Abergele. 

Oliver believes their commitment to the North Wales coast and becoming an even more sustainable organisation will stand them in good stead post-pandemic.

He said: "We are bringing all five of our parks in line with the wider brand so across the board we can continue to enhance and improve our offering for our caravan owners and guests. 

"As Whitehouse and Golden Gate are so close it makes sense for them to become more integrated, so owners can enjoy these improved facilities long-term.

"We will soon be in consultation on the Golden Gate plans and will be keen to receive feedback and suggestions; we always want to hear from our customers, as well as the local community, because they are a big part of this."

Jim Jones, chief executive of North Wales Tourism, congratulated SF Parks on its commitment to improving the Conwy coastline, supporting jobs and tourism.

"The revitalisation of our seaside towns through investment is essential in helping to boost the local economy, creating new opportunities for businesses and our community alike," he said.

"I am pleased to see the plans from Jonathan and Oliver Seldon and think they will bring much-needed entertainment and job opportunities to the area.

“Let's hope all the proposals receive approval and contribute to the rejuvenation of these wonderful coastal areas."