Parkdean Resorts reveals another strong year of investment for its holiday parks

Leading holiday park operator Parkdean Resorts has set out investment plans of £40.7m across its estate, with a primary focus on new accommodation for the 2019 holiday season.

The company, which has its central support office in Gosforth, has pledged over £2m to enhance its five holiday parks across the North East, £892k of which will bring 45 new accommodation units.

Overall across the UK, £22.5m will be spent enhancing the caravan and lodge offering which will see more than 760 new caravans introduced on parks and £4.4m worth of refurbishments take place, while £1.5m will allow for 18 new luxury lodges to be added across eight locations.

A further £9.5m will be invested to strengthen park infrastructure and £1.8m will see retail developments on parks UK-wide.

In an innovative move for the sector, 53 one-bedroom caravans will be launched across 12 parks, specifically designed for couples and including pet-friendly accommodation – a customer profile that Parkdean Resorts has identified as an area it is keen to develop.

Chief executive John Waterworth said: “We have lots of people that come along in twos on holiday so we will be introducing one-bedroom caravans for the first time with young couples, empty nesters and retired people in mind.”

Due to the increasing demand for lodge holidays, lodges will be expanded across parks – particularly those with four bedrooms. Hot tubs have also proved popular and 16 will be added to a number of existing models in key lodge destinations like Tummel Valley in Scotland and Warmwell in Dorset.

Opening up even more choice for ownership opportunities, new caravans and lodges have been introduced with a higher specification. Models from popular brands such as Victory Leisure Homes and Carnaby Caravans are now available at many ownership parks for the first time.

The announcement is also paired with a big recruitment drive to fill roles around the UK, including seven in the North East, within sales, catering, administration, leisure and operational departments.

John concluded: “We are very committed to investing in our 67 holiday parks as well as ensuring this year’s investment programme further enhances our facilities and the customer experience. Work is already underway to bring in these changes to accommodation, retail, entertainment and many other elements that make up the Parkdean Resorts experience.

“We’re looking forward to hearing how our holidaymakers and holiday home owners receive the enhancements we’re making.”

A total of 27 holiday parks are preparing to welcome 2019’s first holidaymakers for February half-term, including Sandy Bay and Whitley Bay in the North East.

For more information on Parkdean Resorts’ 2019 investment visit https://www.parkdeanresorts.co.uk/why-book-with-us/investments/.