Holiday park business Parkdean Resorts has announced plans to invest around £50m into its portfolio in the next year.
The Newcastle company, which has its headquarters in Gosforth, owns and operates 66 sites across the Ƶ, in coastal locations and areas of natural beauty, with static caravans, lodges and glamping as well as touring and camping pitches.
Parkdean, whose North East sites include Church Point at Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, Cresswell Towers at Druridge Bay, Sandy Bay in Ashington, and Whitley Bay, says the eight-figure sum will be ploughed into its sites next year to transform on-park facilities and amenities, expand pitches, and enhance retail developments.
The business is also expanding its ‘competitive socialising’ offering, bringing in new entertainment for guests. As well as boosting the guest experience and lifting local economies, the investment will create up to 100 new jobs, including full-time roles and a range of seasonal positions.
Steve Richards, CEO at Parkdean Resorts, said: “In 2026 we will be investing approximately £50m in our holiday parks to improve facilities, elevate guest experience, and keep families coming back to these fantastic locations throughout the Ƶ. As the Ƶ’s leading holiday park operator, guests return to us year after year because they trust us to deliver the quality and consistency they expect.
“Ongoing investment within the communities we operate in is also a key part of our strategy, and we are committed to raising standards to remain at the forefront of the Ƶ holiday market. We are excited to welcome guests to see all that these parks have to offer next year.”
The fresh investment follows a £140m spend in 2022, which led to upgrades across 16 parks including the introduction of high ropes, virtual reality games, and the Bear Grylls Survival Academy, the addition of 850 new caravans and lodges and a £6m Wi-Fi upgrade.
Parks set to benefit next year include Highfield Grange Holiday Park in Essex and Vauxhall Holiday Park in Great Yarmouth, with £5m invested in each park. The investment will see the two parks unveil features brand new to Parkdean, including indoor adventure golf, upgraded high and low ropes, and immersive Bear Grylls escape rooms.
The investment will also see the introduction of a brand-new sports bar concept, Hat-Tricks, serving a variety of food and drinks. Hat-Tricks will also be home to indoor interactive sports such as shuffleboard and darts.
The plans come a month after the company published accounts for 2024, showing how revenues rose from £507m to £520m and operating losses narrowed to £15.9m.
While it saw recovery in three of its main income streams – holiday home sales, on park spend and owner income – it said it had to contend with inflationary pressures and the increase in the National Living Wage.
