A year on from the sudden closure of the Pontins camp at Camber, owner Britannia Hotels has confirmed the site is to be redeveloped as a holiday destination.
As we reported last week, a meeting took place on Tuesday, December 17 between Britannia and representatives from Rother District Council who own the freehold to the land at Camber. The meeting was organised by Hastings and Rye MP Helena Dollimore.
A joint statement was released after the meeting. “Britannia Hotels, the owners of Pontins, confirmed it is their intention to redevelop the site as a holiday destination. They intend to work closely with the local community in Camber as part of this, including with Camber Parish Council, Rye Chamber of Commerce, and Rother District Council who own the freehold of the site.”
Speaking after the meeting Helena Dollimore said it was welcome news. “For too long there’s been a vacuum of information, with the site in disrepair and people in Camber left in limbo.”
She was unable to confirm when work would begin. “It’s a positive step forward but I can’t speak for Britannia on timescales. For now I just welcome the clarity that they are clear about their intention to develop it as a tourist destination. There have been so many rumours about what the site may or may not be used for. It’s so important we get the right people together to move the site forward.”
There’s now an urgent need for more detail according to Sarah Broadbent, the vice-chair of Rye & District Chamber of Commerce. “Of course we welcome the news that something will be done, but the devil will be in the detail. We can’t just have a vague pledge. The time line will be absolutely critical.”
Pontins used to attract eighty thousand visitors at the 32-acre site at Camber. The closure has had a devastating effect on local shops and businesses. Work begins in the new year on the £2.5million Camber welcome centre.
Image Credits: Nick Forman .