Arbroath’s Red Lion holiday park has announced significant expansion and upgrade plans aimed at increasing its appeal and capacity. Located on Dundee Road at the West Links gateway, the park is a long-standing favorite for holidaymakers in Angus.
The park, owned by Perthshire Caravans, has submitted planning applications to Angus Council, proposing to add 30 new static caravans. This addition will bring the total number of caravans to over 300.
The new caravans will be situated in the upper field, which currently houses a playpark that will be retained. These new holiday homes will offer views of the sea and will be available for occupancy from March to September, as reported by The Couier.
In addition to increasing its accommodation capacity, Red Lion plans to transform its former swimming pool complex into a children’s soft play area. The swimming pool was closed in 2023 due to rising energy costs, making it unsustainable to operate. The new leisure zone is part of a broader refurbishment of the leisure center, which was built almost 20 years ago.
According to the owners, the refurbishment aims to rejuvenate the building’s appearance and functionality. “Although in good condition overall, the building looks dated and is in need of rejuvenation,” said a spokesperson for Perthshire Caravans. “The aim is to refurbish the leisure center building as many areas have not been upgraded in a long time.”
Recognizing the importance of community engagement, Red Lion intends to open its amenities to the public in the evenings. This initiative is designed to increase the park’s popularity among local residents by providing them access to the upgraded leisure facilities.
Currently, Red Lion has around 290 holiday caravans. The proposed expansion will ensure that the new section is accessed through the main holiday park entrance, maintaining seamless integration with the existing facilities.
The park’s efforts to enhance visitor experience are further supported by the views out to sea that the new caravans will offer. This scenic enhancement is expected to attract more guests during the March to September occupancy period.
Angus Council will review the planning applications for these expansion and upgrade proposals. The park hopes to begin work on these developments soon after approval.
These ambitious plans reflect Red Lion’s commitment to improving the holiday experience and fostering closer ties with the local community. By addressing both the accommodation needs and leisure desires of visitors, Red Lion aims to maintain its status as a premier holiday destination in Angus.
