A former Pontins site that was abandoned and ‘left to rot’ nearly a year ago, could potentially have a bright future after representatives from parent company, Britannia Hotels Ltd, have announced new development plans
There is hope for a former Pontins site as owners announce redevelopment plans after leaving the site ‘to rot’ for months.
The Prestatyn Sands Pontins site, which has been closed since November 2023, may receive a new lease of life in the near future as representatives from the holiday park’s parent company, Britannia Hotels Ltd, have confirmed work is underway regarding development plans – with the aim of re-opening a holiday park on the land as soon as possible.
The Pontins site in North Wales closed on November 30, 2023, having been open since 1971. During a meeting with local councillors and MP, the company has confirmed that it has purchased new equipment and employed personnel to maintain and secure the site. Britannia has the lease for the land for the next 979-and-a-half years and hopes to invest in either a new caravan park or log cabin.
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According to The Rhyl, Prestatyn and Abergele Journal, Clwyd East MP Becky 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.”
The announcement from Britannia representatives was the first comment regarding the future of the site, since it closed nearly a year ago.
Rival holiday park company, Butlin’s, had formerly expressed an interest in purchasing the site, as the company’s boss revealed to the Mirror. The CEO said contact had been made with Pontins’ owner Britannia Hotels about taking over its sites in Southport, Merseyside, or Prestatyn, north Wales.
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After Pontins Prestatyn closed, its site in Southport also shut its doors in January. Jon Hendry Pickup, managing director of Butlin’s, said its agents had contacted Britannia Hotels about saving one of the North West camps – but a the time of reporting in April 2024, had yet to get a response.
“We would definitely still be interested,” Mr Hendry Pickup told the Mirror. “We would definitely like a conversation with them.”
Regarding the Prestatyn Pontins site, Denbighshire County Council leader, Jason McLellan said: “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.”
In August 2024, photos taken by a previous Pontins holidaymaker of the site, were released showing how it had been “left to rot”. The lawns of the abandoned site had become overgrown and many of the buildings run-down. Staff from the once thriving holiday park explained the reason they were given for the park’s closure was that it was due to make a financial loss in 2024.
