Five Star Norfolk Park Under New Ownership

Posted on October 13, 2016

Five Star Norfolk Park Under New Ownership

Vauxhall Holiday Park in Great Yarmouth is the first acquisition for Parkdean Resorts since the merger.

Parkdean Resorts has snapped up a five-star resort in Norfolk in its first acquisition since the firm was formed following a significant merger of Parkdean and Park Resorts last November. The operator, which owns 72 holiday parks nationwide, has bought Vauxhall Holiday Park in Great Yarmouth for an undisclosed sum.

The park has been owned and developed by the Biss family since 1964 and welcomes in excess of 80,000 holidaymakers each year. The freehold park comprises 390 caravans and lodges, 48 apartments and 180 touring and camping pitches across 41 acres. It is well invested, with a substantial range of high quality retail and leisure facilities. John Waterworth, Chief Executive of Parkdean Resorts said: “This continues our long term buy and build strategy which has been successful in developing Parkdean Resorts into the sector leading business it is today. Vauxhall is a thriving and well-managed park that will fit perfectly into the Parkdean Resorts portfolio offering customers even broader choice in Norfolk alongside our other parks East Anglia.”

John also confirmed that Parkdean Resorts is confident of another successful year of growth, with holiday sales for the year 9% ahead of 2015: “The group has been acquisitive since its formation and we see further opportunities in this highly fragmented sector via both single parks and multi-site portfolios.”

Super Heroes

Posted on September 8, 2015

Super Heroes

Cost-effective energy efficiency and prudent housekeeping will maximise return on investment when it comes to swimming pools.

A popular swimming pool is a must for the modern holiday park; number one for its undoubted pulling power in attracting and retaining visitors year on year.

On the flip side, the average holiday park swimming pool can present a huge drain on business resources both through upkeep and running costs as well as staffing overheads.

Operators find themselves under more pressure than ever to demonstrate effective energy efficiency and prudent housekeeping to maximise return on investment when it comes to swimming pools.

“Most people are now opting for energy efficient pools, more so than ever before,” comments Tim Bareham of Cresta Leisure. “It is partly down to an increase in environmental awareness generally, as well as the rise in energy prices, and of course the allure of cost savings that can be achieved over time.”

Tim adds: “Although energy efficient methods are generally more expensive to install, the benefits are huge. You’ve got to speculate to accumulate.”

Deer Park Golf and Country club in West Lothian, Scotland has enjoyed a 25% reduction in gas and electricity usage in their swimming pool following the installation of Heatsavr.

Going ‘green’ is not only helpful in protecting the environment, but it can also translate into cost savings. If it were a superhero then Brenntag’s Heatsavr would have powers akin to the Invisible Man. The Heatsavr is a liquid pool cover that works by forming an invisible monolayer over the surface of the pool, preventing heat and moisture from escaping while the surface is unbroken. There are many other associated benefits that come with having a pool cover. Stopping evaporation also directly effects the quantity of chemicals used to maintain hygienic water conditions. By reducing evaporation you are also reducing the quantity of chemicals normally lost through evaporation. Having a pool cover also reduces the amount of contamination that enters the pool through the water surface, this will also have a direct effect on the rate of chemical consumption.

Deer Park Golf and Country club in West Lothian, Scotland had Heatsavr installed as part of an upgrade that also saw them have new boilers fitted. The work that was carried out saw a 25 per cent reduction in gas and electricity usage since the work was undertaken in August 2013. The country club had previously used a traditional pool cover, but it was ill-fitting because their pool is oval shaped. That meant that heat and moisture were still able to escape, as the cover was only partially effective. Heatsavr liquid pool cover reduces evaporation not only at night but also during the day when bathers are present in the water.

To read more of this story please subscribe online.

Splash Landings

Posted on June 26, 2015

The effective selection, combination and positioning of aquatic play features can be a key tool in attracting and retaining guests. Pic: Ustigate Waterplay

Above: The effective selection, combination and positioning of aquatic play features can be a key tool in attracting and retaining guests.
Pic: Ustigate Waterplay

Splash Landings

With the fun factor at the top of visitor wish lists, it is vital for holiday parks operators to continuously not just meet but exceed expectations for safe and fun aquatic play.

While major swimming pool investment can sometimes be ruled out on the basis of budget, splash pads and water play areas offer an attractive value for money alternative. From aquaslides and speed tubes to splash pads, interactive fountains and water jets, water play areas will keep the whole family entertained for hours.

“When families are selecting a holiday park more often than not the on-site facilities on offer will be a major factor, second only to location with an on-site pool being one of the most popular draws,” comments Matt Clark of Country Leisure Fibreglass.

“However these days swimming alone is not enough to keep kids entertained for long. Slides, flumes and an assortment of water features not only liven up the pool environment but keep children occupied for longer and wanting to return again.”

Ernie Hemming of Ustigate Waterplay agrees: “Without doubt, the effective selection, combination and positioning of aquatic play features can be a key tool in attracting and retaining guests. “By using a range of colours, sensations of water and sleek designs, there won’t be any member of the family who will be able to resist taking a dip in the water play area.”

From aquaslides and speed tubes to splash pads, interactive fountains and water jets, water play areas will keep the whole family entertained for hours. Pic: Certikin.

Above: From aquaslides and speed tubes to splash pads, interactive fountains and water jets, water play areas will keep the whole family
entertained for hours. Pic: Certikin.

Ustigate Waterplay advises on a zero-level water play installation which prevents the buildup of water in the play area, therefore eliminating the need for a lifeguard and providing accessibility to all, including wheelchair users. The company’s product index consists of over 300 standard aquatic structures containing items designed to meet all specifications and budgets.

“We advise our clients on creating water play installations which caters for a range of age groups to increase its play value and popularity,” says Ernie. “Carefully selected combinations and positioning of structures and features will attract the target audience to the relevant areas of the park, toddler, teen or family sections which will result into more visitors, because it is suitable for all of the family.”

Ustigate specialises in splash pads and offer the full range of Vortex equipment which includes more than 140 different water play jets and above ground sprays. Not only do splash pads appeal to the kid in all of us, but they also tap today’s pressing issues of water conservation, parents’ heightened concerns for safety, the ongoing search for revenue and multipurpose usage.

To read more of this story, please subscribe online.

CERTIKIN INTERNATIONAL
Tel. +44 (0)1993 778855
www.certikin.co.uk

COUNTRY LEISURE FIBREGLASS
Tel. +44 (0)1980 629555
www.countryleisure.co.uk

USTIGATE WATERPLAY
Tel. +44 (0)1322 424445
www.ustigatewaterplay.co.uk

AQUA DROLICS
Tel. +31 499 393 540
www.aquadrolics.com

Vauxhall Half Century

Posted on July 3, 2014

The indoor water world and outdoor splash zones are the most popular leisure facilities at the family friendly Vauxhall Holiday Park.

Vauxhall Half Century

Celebrating its 50th birthday this year, Vauxhall Holiday Park remains one of Norfolk’s most popular holiday resorts.

Offering family holidays and short breaks to suit all budgets, the five star park is a firm favorite among holidaymakers looking to visit Great Yarmouth and the Norfolk Broads.

The family owned park was founded by the late Stanley Biss in 1964, and his sons Wayne and James Biss now deal with the day-to-day running of the park. Both are supported by general manager Roger Finney and a 50-strong team of on-site staff.

Amy Woodyatt, marketing manager at Vauxhall says: “We are very proud to have recently achieved the number one spot on Tripadvisor in our category, and a certificate of excellence award.

“Our loyal customers are great ambassadors for the park, often returning a few times a year. We actively encourage feedback from guests, as we find that word of mouth and customer reviews often attract new holidaymakers.”

As one of the first parks in the country to offer caravans with running water and electric in the 1960s, Vauxhall’s accommodation options have come a long way in the last 50 years. The park now accommodates approximately 430 bespoke holiday homes, including 48 chalets, plus 200 standard camping pitches and 13 super pitches.

There is also an ongoing investment strategy to replace older holiday homes to keep at the forefront of comfort and design. This year the Vauxhall team have introduced a new and exclusive owners site, following requests from returning customers, as well as investing in a new range of holiday homes and glamping mega pods.

To read more on Vauxhall Holiday Park, please subscribe online.

Vauxhall Park Strengthens Team

Posted on December 19, 2013

Amy Woodyatt, Marketing Manager with Vauxhall Holiday Park resident mascot Louie the Lion

Vauxhall Park Strengthens Team

Vauxhall Holiday Park in Great Yarmouth has strengthened its marketing and events team by appointing Amy Woodyatt as marketing manager.

Amy has eight years experience in PR and marketing and her new role will enhance how the five star park engages with its existing customers and reach out to new customers. She will be involved with advertising, social media, newsletter and PR campaigns, marketing short breaks and holidays to families and couples while also promoting the music weekend events held out of season.

Amy comments: “Vauxhall is celebrating its 50th anniversary next year so it is a very exciting time to join and as its school holidays at the moment we are extremely busy.

‘While we can keep holiday makers entertained whatever the weather due to our indoor facilities and all inclusive entertainment the heat wave this summer has prompted a surge of last minute breaks.

“We have also just launched two new music weekender events - Rock Stock in December and a Folk event in March, so busy times ahead’’.

Attracting a whopping 70,000 visitors a year to its 430 plus holiday homes including 48 chalets, Vauxhall Holiday Park is a five star holiday site that has been providing holidays and short breaks to families and couples since 1964.

The Indoor Water World, Splash Zone, Kids Clubs, Hideout Teenage Club, Louie’s Adventure Treehouse, Sports World, and all evening entertainment consisting of top cabaret acts, entertainment team shows, comedians and vocalists, is all included in the holiday price. Plus there is a separate adult only V-Lounge.

Holiday Park Scene Magazine