Pontin’s to create 2,000 jobs in £50m investment plan

NORTH West holiday parks group Pontin’s is creating 2,000 jobs following a massive £50m investment to refurbish its centres as demand for this Great British holiday soars.

Southport-based Pontin’s, which was founded 60 years ago and has 16 sites, is planning to completely rebuild its centres at Camber Sands and Southport and refurbish the ones at Brean Sands and Prestatyn Sands. 

The development programme will kick off with a complete overhaul of all its entertainment, catering bar facilities.

Chief executive of Ocean Parcs, which bought Pontin’s last year, Ian Smith said: “We are tremendously excited about the investment planned for the development of our Pontin’s holiday centres and the employment and tourism revenue that will be generated by this substantial investment.  

“It is particularly rewarding to be able to announce these plans which will not only generate increased tourism but create more than 2,000 new jobs whilst the country is in a recession.”

The group added that bookings for half term, Easter and summer are significantly up on last year, and it has invested heavily in securing top entertainment for 2009, including comedian Joe Pasquale and former Blue singer, Duncan James.

Clarke Osborne, property director, added: “It is particularly pleasing to note that due to a significant increase in bookings for this year, a number of our Holiday Centres are already showing only limited availability for the key half term, Easter and summer holiday periods.

“I have no doubt this is due to the outstanding value for money offer enhanced in all areas this year including nationally and internationally renowned entertainment acts.”