A former Pontins holiday park near Camber Sands could be repurposed into a new tourism site, as discussions begin between local authorities and Britannia Hotels, the current leaseholder.
The site, located just over the Kent border, has remained closed since its abrupt shutdown in November 2023, a move that has raised concerns within the surrounding community about lost jobs, declining local business activity, and reduced tourism traffic.
Pontins, once a major player in the UK holiday park sector with nearly 30 locations, now operates only two sites: Pakefield Holiday Village in Suffolk and Sand Bay Holiday Village in Weston-super-Mare.
The closures of both the Camber Sands and Prestatyn sites in November were announced without prior notice.
A statement posted to social media by Pontins at the time read:
“We regret to inform you that our parks in Prestatyn and Camber Sands will be closing with immediate effect. Customers whose bookings will be affected by these closures will be contacted by our team and refunded. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
In December, Rother District Council representatives and Hastings and Rye MP Helena Dollimore met with Britannia Hotels to explore the possibility of redeveloping the Camber Sands site.
Councillor Christine Bayliss, deputy leader and cabinet member for economic development and regeneration, attended the meeting and expressed cautious optimism about the future of the property.
“The closure of the holiday park last year was a shock to everyone, including the council, which owns the site’s freehold,” Bayliss said in a report published by Mirror.
“We’ve been actively seeking clarity about its future.” She added that Britannia Hotels had indicated a willingness to work with local stakeholders on plans to bring the site back into operation.
“Pontins has been a key destination for Camber, and we recognise its vital role in the local economy,” she said. “We’re optimistic about working together to restore Camber Sands as one of the region’s top holiday spots.”
Currently fenced off and equipped only with security lighting, the site once hosted up to 3,000 guests and included a Nisa Local shop, which closed in September 2023.
The simultaneous closure of the Prestatyn park marked a significant contraction in the Pontins brand, though Britannia Hotels has confirmed that redevelopment is already underway at the Welsh site, with a reopening planned.
For operators in the outdoor hospitality and caravan sectors, the potential redevelopment of Camber Sands presents both a cautionary tale and an opportunity.
The abrupt closures underscore the importance of proactive planning and engagement with local stakeholders.
However, the site’s possible revitalization also points to demand resilience in coastal tourism hubs—something developers and operators may find worth exploring, particularly as legacy brands restructure or exit the market.