New Billing Aquadrome owners say it's an "incredible site"
New owners, company Meadow Bay Villages, are investing £12 million in the site hit by flooding.
Last updated 12th Sep 2024
The new owners of a Northamptonshire leisure park which has featured a lot in recent headlines say it's an "incredible site".
Built around old gravel pits, Billing Aquadrome has been around for over 70 years, featuring facilities for holidaymakers and is home to around 1200 people.
It’s recently been taken over by Meadow Bay Villages who have invested around £12 million pounds at the site, which is one of two bases they now have in the county.
However, the park's been suffering devastating flooding issues twice in recent months, with residents forced to leave their properties last winter.
Chief Executive Geoffrey Smith says they're committed to tackling issues:
"We're determined to resolve those via nothing short of the appropriate investment to ensure that Billing has a sustainable future.
"It's going to require discussions with the Environment Agency and West Northamptonshire Council.
"Those are ongoing and they're giving us confidence that as key local stakeholders that we can come up with a solution soon.
"As far as being a highly rated holiday park, we believe Billing can be our anchor for many years to come. We're determined to build our business and hope to show that it's set to be a thriving location.
“We purchased Billing Aquadrome just over four months ago and to have invested £12 million in the resort in such a short space of time has led to a transformation that we are very proud of and has been hugely welcomed by holidaymakers, colleagues and the local community.
“The new facilities, combined with the landscape we enjoy at Billing, are unlike anything else in the UK. We can offer a natural escape with lakes, rivers, locks, and a marina, far from city life and we’re trying to appeal to those who want an active holiday, whether that is gentle walks or high-octane sport, but also want value and quality in their stay.
“We believe there is a real sweet spot in the holiday market for guests who enjoy lodge and caravan stays but don’t see other well-known operators as catering for them. We have a real emphasis on excellence in our food, whilst entertainment is built around creating a warm and relaxing vibe to relax with family and friends alongside rather than being too overbearing.
“Our bookings for the summer have been significantly ahead of where we expected them to be and we’re delighted with the response we have had so far. This is only the first stage in our masterplan for Billing and we hope guests have a great time with us.”