THE OWNER of Billing Aquadrome has unveiled the results of a £12 million upgrade of the holiday resort near Northampton.
Meadow Bay Villages, which acquired the holiday park (pictured above) out of administration in spring this year, has invested significantly in upgrading the leisure facilities and accommodation including camping and caravanning facilities.
The resort expects to welcome more than 50,000 guests this year.
Meadow Bay Villages has invested significantly in the resort since it took over Billing Aquadrome and nearby Cogenhoe Mill holiday parks as well as two parks on the Isle of Sheppey and Hayling Island Holiday Park in Hampshire.
The deal was for an undisclosed sum.
The owner has created a water park and updated swimming facilities. A new BMX pump track has been built from scratch, along with outdoor activities including football areas and adventure golf.
Billing Aquadrome is set around 11 natural lakes and first opened as a holiday park in 1945. Meadow Bay Villages has built a boardwalk around the lakes, as well as a new amphitheatre and open-air cinema.
“To have invested £12 million in the resort in such a short space of time has led to a transformation that we are very proud of and has been hugely welcomed by holidaymakers, colleagues and the local community,” said Meadow Bay Villages chief executive Geoffrey Smith.
“The new facilities, combined with the landscape we enjoy at Billing, are unlike anything else in the UK. We can offer a natural escape with lakes, rivers, locks, and a marina, far from city life and we are trying to appeal to those who want an active holiday, whether that is gentle walks or high-octane sport, but also want value and quality in their stay.”
Meadow Bay Villages is backed by experienced institutional investors.
“We believe there is a real sweet spot in the holiday market for guests who enjoy lodge and caravan stays but do not see other well-known operators as catering for them,” Mr Smith said. Bookings this summer have been ahead of expectations, he added.
“We are delighted with the response we have had so far. This is only the first stage in our masterplan for Billing.”
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