Leisure Industry News - September 2025

September has been a month of ambitious plans and major milestones for the UK leisure industry. 

Holiday parks and golf clubs are pushing forward with new projects, while major council-backed schemes — like Brighton’s £65m King Alfred Leisure Centre transformation — promise to reshape local leisure offerings. Landmark properties are also changing hands as investment activity stays strong. 

Here’s a look at the key stories making headlines this month...

• Developers have submitted a proposal for a new £11.9 million holiday park with 95 lodges at Dalquharran Estate in Scotland. The plans also include an on-site restaurant and cafe, aiming to transform the estate into a bustling tourist destination.

• A former activity centre for school children at Llangorse Lake has been approved for a conversion into a year-round holiday park. The plans will see three existing buildings turned into holiday cottages, with improvements made to the on-site restaurant and parking area.

• Rodway Hill Golf Course in Highnam has received planning permission to add six new timber accommodation pods to its existing "stay and play" offering. The new pods, which will be delivered pre-assembled, aim to boost the club's year-round income stream.

• After significant multi-year investment, Chart Hills Golf Club in Kent has been recognised as one of England's Top 100 Golf Courses by Golf World. The recent improvements include the addition of "The Loop", a new six-hole par-three course designed by Sir Nick Faldo. Anthony Tarchetti, General Manager said, "Being included in the Golf World Top 100 is a significant milestone for Chart Hills and a proud moment for the team".

• After a strategic review, international real estate company Vastint is looking to sell its UK hotel portfolio, which is valued at £500 million. The portfolio consists of 15 Marriott-branded hotels, including Moxy, AC by Marriott, and Courtyard by Marriott, which are primarily located in city centres and major transport hubs.

• Following its acquisition by Kaya Tourism Group, the Great Northern Hotel in London has been rebranded as the Kaya Great Northern Hotel. The hotel will continue to offer five-star service, but guests can now enrol in the Kaya Club Card loyalty program to receive bespoke rewards.

• Brighton & Hove City Council has appointed Willmott Dixon as the preferred contractor for the £65 million transformation of the King Alfred Leisure Centre. The project will create a modern, sustainable seafront destination with sea views, with work expected to begin in early 2026.

• Fitness franchise Snap Fitness has opened its 100th UK gym in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire. Since its first location opening in 2012, the company has now experienced the most growth of any franchised gym operator in the UK by location count over the last three years.

• The former Queen Margaret's School for Girls in North Yorkshire, which closed after 125 years due to mounting financial pressures, is now for sale with a £5 million asking price. The property is set on 39 acres and includes a Grade II listed house and sports facilities.



• Oxford United has received planning permission from Cherwell District Council for its new 16,000-seater stadium. The purpose-built ground will be constructed on a site near Kidlington known as "the Triangle" following a four-hour planning committee meeting.