Redevelopment plans for Pontins Prestatyn site ‘excellent news'

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 (Image: Newsquest) In the meantime, the company confirmed it has purchased new maintenance equipment and are employing personnel to maintain and secure the holiday park site.

James Davies was MP for Vale of Clwyd when Prestatyn Sands shut, and called for an inquiry into Britannia Hotels’ practices following its closure.

Dr Davies also wrote to a dozen successful holiday park operators to encourage them to look at acquiring the site.

He said: “On the face of it, this is positive news. However, Britannia previously indicated to me they would only consider investing in the Prestatyn site if they were to acquire the freehold of the land.

“I am very sceptical that this would be in the interests of the town. I also question the need for it when the company already has a long-term lease from the council with 980 years remaining.

“Britannia has much work to do if it is to reassure us all that is has the drive and ability to invest in a new facility which meets the needs of would-be tourists and the ambitions of the town.

“Four tourism and leisure companies with a credible track record have expressed an interest in the site, and I hope the council will be proactive in considering all options - including compulsory purchase of the existing lease - should rapid movement from Britannia not now follow.”

Prestatyn Sands Holiday Park (Image: Newsquest) Gareth Davies, MS for Vale of Clwyd, added: “Since Pontins Prestatyn closed, I have consistently argued for the site to remain designated for use in the hospitality and leisure industry, so this announcement is welcome news.

“In the 11 months since its closure, local businesses have seen a drop in footfall and there has been growing anxiety amongst residents regarding the fate of the site, so this announcement will relieve many of those concerned.

“Whilst I welcome the re-development of the site, I am conscious that local people want to see swift progress and I will be ensuring that Denbighshire County Council work with the parties involved to get the re-development underway as soon as possible.”

Prestatyn Sands Holiday Park (Image: Submitted) Andrea Tomlin, independent county councillor for the Prestatyn East ward in which the land is situated, said: “As the site has been closed for almost a year and the impact that has had on our town centre businesses has been quite severe, this seems to be some good news at last.

“I would, however, like to have more meat on the bones; to hear more detail very soon about what is being proposed and for when as, as we are all far too aware, Britannia have not been speedy movers or good communicators this last 11 months, despite many efforts having been made to engage with them, where this site is concerned.

“We don’t want this dragging on any longer than necessary now. we need to see real progress to give us the confidence that this truly is about to turn around and not continue to be a blot on Prestatyn for any protracted length of time.

“It is reassuring to hear Britannia’s assurances that the site will be tidily maintained in the meantime, as I have received many complaints about how it had quickly become so very unsightly.”

Anton Sampson, chair of the Prestatyn Business Forum, welcomed the news, with many entrepreneurs in the town citing Pontins’ closure as the reason for a drop in footfall.

He said: “I'm extremely pleased that Britannia has made this recent announcement.

“As Pontins, it was getting very tired-looking, and the feedback from visitors wasn't very positive at all.

“I hope things move smoothly so it can be up and running as soon as possible. It's excellent news for the town as a whole.

“I'm always more than happy to meet with developers and discuss progress and help give the project the publicity it deserves.”

Prestatyn Sands Holiday Park (Image: Submitted) Personal appearance agent Richard Coghill organised a weekend-long event at the park in July 2023 to celebrate 50 years since Holiday on the Buses was filmed there.

He then put together an 80-minute documentary, entitled Looking Back – Holiday on the Buses at 50.

Richard said: “Whilst it is potentially good news that the camp could reopen, hopefully lessons will be learnt in regards to the upkeep of the site.

“The beautiful town of Prestatyn deserves an immaculate holiday camp its people can be proud of, and one that the holidaymakers can come away from giving rave reviews.

“It is in such a prime location, being a stone’s throw from Barkby Beach, and fingers crossed it can thrive again, just as it did for previous generations.”

Britannia Hotels has been contacted for further comment.