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Kent holiday park’s £2m pool splash wins MP’s backing

Sir Roger Gale MP is joined by staff and guests as he cuts the tape on Birchington Vale's new pool complex
Sir Roger Gale MP is joined by staff, guests and park mascots as he opens Birchington’s new pool complex

North Thanet MP Sir Roger Gale has cut the tape on a Kent holiday’s park’s new £2m pool and leisure complex which will bring a further boost to tourism in the Margate area.

Sir Roger was at Birchington Vale Holiday Park in the seaside village of Birchington-on-Sea where owners Park Holidays UK have just completed a major investment project.

The 100-acre park now has at its heart a brand new complex which includes a 150 square metres swimming pool, shop, cafe-restaurant, and arcade area with the latest video games.

It will also be the venue for the park’s nightly entertainment, and the staging features a host of high-tech equipment to allow West End standard shows to be mounted.

Outside, a newly built patio area provides barbecues, super-size TV screens, seating and tables.

Sir Roger performed the opening ceremony in the building’s sleek new reception area where staff will now welcome guests and holiday home owners.

Holiday guests have quick access to nearby sandy beaches
Holiday guests have quick access to nearby sandy beaches

Their number is likely to increase still further this year as Birchington Vale recently gained consent to expand its volume of accommodation in response to demand.

An additional 97 leisure homes will be developed, adding to the current 280 holiday caravans and luxury lodges which are available to buy and to let at the park.

There are also 100 pitches for campers and the owners of touring caravans and motorhomes.

Birchington Vale, set alongside four picturesque sandy bays, was acquired 18 months ago by Park Holidays UK which owns a further five holiday parks along the Kent coast.

It now provides employment for around 50 staff in high season, including a growing number of full-time positions with training opportunities.

Tony Clish, director of Park Holidays UK, said he was confident that his company’s investment in Birchington Vale would pay dividends for the whole region:

“The Margate area has long been a holiday favourite for many families, and a top quality holiday park such as this will do much to further bolster its popularity,” said Tony.

“Our holidaymakers spend literally millions of pounds each year in the region, and support many local small businesses and the people they employ.

“Because we are open for all but a fortnight every year, the park is also helping to spread the economic benefits of tourism more evenly throughout the seasons.

“We’re delighted that our new complex has opened in time for this year’s holiday season, and our staff team here deserve credit for the part they played in making this possible,” he added.

Tony Clish said he was very pleased that Sir Roger Gale was able take time out from his busy pre-election schedule to officially open the park’s new leisure and entertainments facility.

There is more information about the group’s parks at www.ParkHolidays.com

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