Plans for Pontins Prestatyn site to be new holiday park

Prestatyn Sands, which was run by Pontins’ parent company, Britannia Hotels Ltd, shut effective immediately on November 30, 2023, having been open since 1971.

But last week, Denbighshire County Council leader, Jason McLellan, and Clwyd East MP, Becky Gittins, met with Britannia representatives, who confirmed that work is underway regarding development plans, with the aim of re-opening a holiday park on the land as soon as possible.

Britannia, which has a lease in place for the land for the next 979-and-a-half years, has confirmed it is looking to invest in either a new caravan park or log cabin facility on the site.

Prestatyn Sands Holiday Park, August 2024 (Image: Submitted) In the meantime, the company confirmed it has purchased new maintenance equipment and are employing personnel to maintain and secure the holiday park site.

Mrs Gittins said: “One of my priorities since being elected in July has been to work towards the re-opening of a holiday park at the site of Pontins in Prestatyn.

“Having spoken extensively to local people and business since the park’s unexpected closure in November 2023, the uncertain fate of the site has been a source of anxiety for many.

“Like the many local people I’ve spoken to, I have from the outset been committed to maintaining the site's use for tourism and leisure.

“This is an important precedent for Prestatyn - both in terms of the money that it brings in and the local jobs it creates.

“Everyone involved is committed to bringing this much-loved site back into use.”

This is the first time that Britannia Hotels has made any comment on the future of the site since the Prestatyn Sands closed 11 months ago.

Prestatyn Sands Holiday Park (Image: Newsquest) Staff at Prestatyn Sands said that the reason they were given for the park’s closure was that it was due to make a financial loss in 2024, meanwhile.

Butlin’s, another holiday company, had previously expressed an interest in taking on the site, while the Home Office said it was not being considered to house asylum seekers.

Pontins has also closed two of its other parks, in Southport and Camber Sands, since last November.

Cllr McLellan added: “I am encouraged that Britannia Hotels are looking to invest in this way and that architects are currently scoping out the venue.

“Denbighshire County Council stand ready to work with Britannia, by setting up an inward investment team to help facilitate the local business and planning discussions.”