Holiday homes group chooses Southport as its third site as part of £750k investment

Matt Lightburn and Shane Smith at the Southport site

Holiday homes pioneer Willerby has invested £750,000 in opening its third UK showground, at Southport, on the North West coast, as the booming popularity of staycations continues.

The opening of Willerby’s newest showground, during the company’s 75th anniversary year, comes as lockdown restrictions are eased to allow holiday parks and non-
essential retail to open.

The latest dedicated, Willerby-managed site builds on the success of the company’s showgrounds at its headquarters in Hull, and at Livingston, in Scotland, and marks a new milestone in the company’s growth.

The opening comes as the UK holiday industry is set to enjoy a bumper spring and summer, with COVID-19 restrictions lifting nationally, while uncertainty remains over foreign travel.

Peter Munk, Willerby chief executive, said: “This is a very exciting step in Willerby’s journey, as we celebrate our 75th anniversary year.

“We are very proud of the company’s history and rich heritage, but it is important to always look forward.

“The opening of our wonderful new showground, in a prime location for the holiday home industry, comes as the country begins to open back up after an incredibly challenging time.

“It has also been a period when many people have realised that spending time with family and friends is what really matters to them and, in this respect, the UK staycation has never been more appealing.”

Research conducted last year by Willerby, working with GP and television personality Dr Hilary Jones, revealed the significant mental health benefits of taking numerous short breaks over longer holidays.

Mr Munk said the issue has never been more important, as the country emerges from its third national lockdown: “At a time when many people are looking at how they can make the best and most enjoyable use of their time, the positive impact short breaks can have on mental health are being widely acknowledged.

“Many people are considering buying a holiday home for the first time.

“Our new showground also provides a great opportunity for Willerby to help the industry showcase what a truly fantastic and beneficial lifestyle holiday home owners enjoy.”

Willerby said it now has more showgrounds than any other UK holiday home manufacturer. The Southport showground is hosting the launch of Willerby’s latest premium holiday home, the Astoria, which has pride of place among 15 Willerby designs on display, including 10 holiday homes, three holiday lodges, one bespoke lodge and one residential park home.

The site also includes an independent café bar/restaurant being open for outdoor service only, in line with the Government roadmap for lifting lockdown restrictions.

The showground will also be made available to local parks and dealerships to host their own promotional events.

Willerby commercial director, Matt Lightburn, said: “Southport is the ideal location to open our third showground as there are so many fantastic, family-owned holiday parks along the North West coast and close by in popular locations such as North Wales and the Lake District.”

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