Work on a new £10m holiday 'Super Park' will get under way in Norfolk next month after planning permission for the exciting new development was granted.
The move will see Stalham-based Richardson's combine its existing family holiday park and grown-ups-only holiday village into one 45-acre facility at the Beach Road site in Hemsby.
The new development will feature five luxury lodges, 230 gold and silver standard caravans, 19 gold bungalows, 25 gold apartments and 117 basic chalets.
Work is expected to be finished in time for the new holiday season next year and follows the addition of 130 caravans over the last two years.
Richardson's chief executive Greg Munford said the multi-million-pound Hemsby Beach Holiday Park will suit all tastes and budgets.
He said: 'Our customers have always loved this location – it's a two-minute walk to miles of unspoilt beaches and just a short distance to the Broads National Park, so it made absolute sense to invest in the area and upgrade the park.
'We're absolutely committed to Hemsby and can't wait to welcome back our regulars as well as a whole new generation of holidaymakers when we relaunch in 2018.'
Extensive remodelling and refurbishing of Hemsby Beach Holiday Park and Seacroft Holiday Village will take place over the winter.
The finished park will have a new sports bar, restaurant, leisure complex and swimming pool while activities will include archery, fencing, cycling, zorbing, sea scooters, snorkelling, football, tennis and basketball.
The development also sees Richardson's strengthen its partnership with Lowestoft-based self-catering specialist Hoseasons. Hemsby will become the first location in the eastern region to be included in the company's specialist GoActive range - a collection of 18 countryside lodge locations across the UK – which are aimed at families who want to try their hand at a range of indoor and outdoor activities.
Simon Altham from Hoseasons said: 'It's great to see significant investment in the village, and the fantastic new accommodation and facilities at this park will provide the perfect setting for our customers to experience a GoActive break and make the most of everything the area has to offer.'
Richardson's announcement has been widely welcomed.
Hemsby Parish Council chairman Keith Kyriacou said the development had the backing of council.
He said: 'It's fantastic news for the holiday industry in Hemsby and we believe it will create jobs, uplift the area and also increase the number of tourists coming here, which will be beneficial to all.
'In this day and age anyone who wants to invest in the holiday industry in Hemsby is most welcome as long as they meet all the relevant requirements.'
Councillor Graham Plant, the Great Yarmouth council leader, said they were committed to working with key partners to help grow visitor numbers, visitor spend and investment and support jobs and growth in tourism.
'Part of this commitment is about supporting appropriate development,' he said.
'The borough council welcomes this significant private investment, which demonstrates confidence in the borough's flagship tourism economy and in Hemsby as a destination in its own right and as an important holiday accommodation area for the whole borough.'
Visit Norfolk manager Pete Waters said the announcement was excellent news for the county.
He said: 'It's proven in the last few years that developing the tourism offering, both in terms of accommodation and attractions, has a real impact, making the county more attractive to visit and helping raise our profile as a year-round destination.
'Businesses investing in their product is a sure sign that they are confident that the visitor economy, already the largest industry sector in Norfolk, will continue to grow.'
Gareth Brown, Chairman of the Greater Yarmouth Tourism and Business Improvement Area said: 'It's fantastic news to hear that one of our long established, local family businesses has the confidence to invest a huge sum in redeveloping their business.'
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