Leisure Industry News - November 2024
November brings big moves and fresh beginnings across the leisure industry, from award-winning campsites and major acquisitions to groundbreaking openings and significant closures.
Here's the latest roundup of updates shaping the sector this month…
- Skelwith Fold, has been named as England’s campsite of the year by the AA in its much-anticipated annual awards.
- Leisure group The Holkham Estate has announced its acquisition of six holiday parks belonging to major regional operator McDonnell Caravans. The parks are in Snettisham, Heacham, Thornham, Holme-next-the-Sea and Brancaster.
- A new 18-hole golf course, Old Petty, designed by Tom Doak, will open for preview play on the 1st August, 2025, at Cabot Highlands in Scotland, before its official launch in 2026. The name honours the nearby Old Petty Church, established in 1839.
- Beeston Fields Golf Club in Nottinghamshire, owned by the same family for 101 years, has been sold to Henley-based developer Cilldara Group, which has pledged to continue operating both the golf club and its events venue.
- Spelthorne Borough Council has opened the Eclipse Leisure Centre in Staines-upon-Thames, a Passivhaus-standard facility featuring a 25-metre pool, learner pool, splash pad, and spa, designed to use 60–70% less energy and support the Council's carbon-neutral goals.
- Citizen M has announced that it will open two new properties in 2025: Dublin St. Patrick's and London Olympia.
- Travelodge, the UK’s first budget hotel brand, has acquired Genesis House in St Paul’s, London, and plans to convert the 24,000 sq. ft. office building into a 95-room hotel with a Bar Café, aiming to open in early 2027, subject to planning approval.
- Center Parcs is set to open its first holiday village in Scotland, with a new resort costing £350–£400 million planned near Hawick in the Scottish Borders.
- Park Hyatt London River Thames, the brand's UK debut, is now open, featuring an entire floor dedicated to wellness with the Spa at Park Hyatt.
- The Bear Grylls Adventure in Birmingham, a £20m Merlin Entertainments attraction inspired by Bear Grylls' expeditions, will close on the 11th December due to commercial challenges, with its animals relocated to new homes, including Sea Life Centres.