The abandoned Pontins holiday camp near Camber Sands, just over the Kent border, could be set for a new lease of life as discussions over its future get underway
An abandoned holiday camp may soon be transformed into a new holiday destination, as discussions over its future get underway.
The disused Pontins holiday camp near Camber Sands, just over the Kent border, has remained empty since its sudden closure by owner Britannia Hotels last November. The shutdown has significantly affected the local community, with residents reporting declines in employment, business activity, and visitor numbers.
Once priding itself on nearly 30 locations across the UK, Pontins has now dwindled down to just two surviving resorts: Suffolk’s Pakefield Holiday Village and Sand Bay Holiday Village in Weston-super-Mare.
However, at a meeting in December, representatives from Rother District Council and Hastings and Rye MP Helena Dollimore met with Britannia Hotels to discuss redevelopment plans.
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Councillor Christine Bayliss, deputy leader and cabinet member for economic development and regeneration, said she felt encouraged by the meeting.
“The closure of the holiday park last year was a shock to everyone, including the council, which owns the site’s freehold,” she said. “We’ve been actively seeking clarity about its future.”
According to Bayliss, Britannia Hotels confirmed its intention to redevelop the site into a holiday destination and expressed willingness to collaborate with local stakeholders, including the district council.
“Pontins has been a key destination for Camber, and we recognise its vital role in the local economy,” she added. “We’re optimistic about working together to restore Camber Sands as one of the region’s top holiday spots.”
Currently, the site is fenced off, with only security lights illuminating the empty premises. Once capable of hosting up to 3,000 guests, the holiday park also featured a Nisa Local shop, which closed in September.
The Camber Sands closure coincided with the shutdown of another Pontins site in Prestatyn, Wales. However, Britannia Hotels recently confirmed that redevelopment is already underway at the Welsh location, with plans to reopen it in the near future.
Pontins Holidays confirmed the closure of the locations in November 2023. Sharing a statement on social media, they said: “Important announcement. 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.”
Pontins holiday camps were initially the brainchild of Fred Pontin, who opened his first Pontins in a former US army base in Weston-super-Mare in Somerset in 1946.
Over the years, the holiday camp magnate bought more camps, expanding his empire to 30 sites at its peak. Smaller and less expensive than Butlin’s holiday camps, Pontins had Bluecoats to entertain guests as opposed to the Redcoats of its major rival. TV stars who learned their comedy trade as former Bluecoats include Bradley Walsh, Shane Richie, Bobby Davro and Lee Mack.
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