Life at Pontins former holiday park as it's transformed into worker housing
A dad who calls at Pontins Brean Sands home after it was closed to the public temporarily to make room for 900 workers building nuclear reactors says his kids "absolutely love it".
Tommy Marshall is among those to move to the area as EDF is developing Hinkley Point C in Somerset and has a three-year-deal with Britannia, who owns Pontins, to use it for their workers until it reverts back to a holiday spot in either 2026 or 2027. The holiday camp has 600 chalets, a leisure complex, a pool, a shop, outdoor play areas and green spaces.
Tommy Marshall, an industrial relations manager for BYLOR, who is leading on civil engineering works at Hinkley Point C, told BristolLive: "I've been living here for six months, and it suits me because I can really make my chalet my own. My partner and six children, who live in Ireland, also come to stay with me regularly.
"The kids absolutely love it because there's loads for them to do like the beach, the amusement arcades and getting an ice-cream. They wish they could live here all the time."
The future of the popular seaside destination near Burnham-on-Sea, which faced complaints over the years about the hygiene of chalets and rundown facilities, has been uncertain for some time. EDF discussed taking over the site with the local community, councillors and business groups in Autumn 2022 before announcing it months later.
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Despite criticism from business group Discover Brean, EDF has invested £2 million into the site. This investment has led to a massive refurbishment of the chalets including new kitchens, bathrooms, furniture, TVs, and new Wi-Fi access. The restaurant, bar and laundry areas have been spruced up and a brand new gym has been added. The park's swimming pool is also being looked after and it remains open for community use.
Andrew Cockcroft, who looks after talking to people at Hinkley Point C, said: "The cost of living crisis has hit tourism everywhere and Brean has been affected by uncertainty over the future of the holiday camp. Our £2m investment in the holiday park will give it a viable future and provides 83 year-round jobs in the community. Our workers will spend millions throughout the year, not just in the holiday peak season."
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"Many businesses are thriving but where businesses are impacted, we are stepping in with marketing support and business grants. The community will also benefit from access the Hinkley Point C community fund which is already supporting local organisations and charities."
EDF says its investment in the Brean holiday resort will improve it for future holidaymakers and its use of Pontins will bring benefits to the local economy all year round. Over 80 full-time jobs have been created and workers will spend millions in the local area. Community groups can also tap into Hinkley Point C's £20 million community fund with groups in Berrow and Burnham already receiving over two hundred thousand pounds in grants.
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can report any errors to [email protected]
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