Richardson's comments on Pontin's Hemsby closure

06.01.2009

Richardson's Group is a family run leisure business. One of the five holiday villages they own is Hemsby Beach, a family holiday centre. Richardson's also owns Caesars Arcade and Seacroft Holiday Village in Hemsby as well as various shop outlets along Beach Road.

Greg Munford, Group General Manager comments: "We were surprised by the closure of Pontin's in Hemsby. Our Hemsby sites are some of our most popular with the combination of on site facilities and entertainment, the buzzing atmosphere of Beach Road and of course the beautiful Norfolk beaches. We have a real commitment to Beach Road Hemsby and the surrounding area with our Summerfields holiday park in Scratby. Between acquisitions and facility addition and refurbishment we have invested circa £3.6 million into the area in the past three years and truly believe that Hemsby with its Lovely Beach and Family Entertainment Centres will always provide a big draw. However, with the decision Pontin's have made and the economic climate we are delaying the commencement of the development of a large entertainment centre in Beach Road opposite our new shop development that incorporates Corals Bookmakers and food and retail outlets.

For 2010 we hope to have a scheme submitted for planning approval for the redevelopment of both Seacroft and Hemsby Holiday Villages enhancing the natural landscaping and adding luxury lodges and Caravans. We have been working with our Architects for the past year on this project. Although this is in the pipe line we are still investing in the existing accommodation and we are currently in the middle of a six month refurbishment of the Chalets at Hemsby Beach.

Our Hemsby site offers breaks from a little as £82 for a family of four and we have discounts running on the Summer Holidays up until mid February to help those people who are going to struggle saving for a holiday this year. Current speculation is that more people will turn to the UK this year to take their holidays and so we will see a return to the traditional seaside resorts in favour of a trip abroad. Holiday sites such as Hemsby Beach provide a fun family holiday without the hassle of airports and struggling currencies. There is entertainment for all the family and children's clubs. And of course, with these holidays you can come and go as you please and so also explore the local area with great shopping in Norwich, family attractions such as Africa Alive, Bewilderwood and Thrigby and of course the beautiful Norfolk Broads, where we have the largest fleet of pleasure cruisers."