They were shut within a day and with little explanation, but the three Pontins holiday parks in Prestatyn, Southport and Camber could be making a return to the hospitality stage. Just how and when remains uncertain but Britannia Hotels has broken silence and confirmed a comeback of sorts is on the cards.

Britannia Hotels had made a rare public statement concerning the future of its former Pontins sites in Prestatyn, Southport and Camber Sands, after closing the venues with one day’s notice in late 2023.

The hospitality operator has confirmed the submission of pre-application proposals for redevelopment to the relevant local councils, while work to demolish buildings at the park in Prestatyn has already begun.

“We continue to undertake surveys, assessments and site management activities at our three vacant Pontins sites,” said a spokesperson. “This forms part of our work with an appointed planning consultancy to develop pre-application proposals.”

“These have now been submitted to planning officers at the respective local authorities and we are awaiting dates to discuss their feedback. This will enable us to progress the proposals and secure positive long-term outcomes for all sites.”

The news will come as a relief to local residents and businesses, who have seen footfall to the resorts drop dramatically since the closure of the holiday parks.

Following the initial closures, councils had been urged to issue compulsory purchase orders in order to safeguard the parks as key elements in the regional economies, as well as the jobs they provided.

However, Britannia assured representatives it was pushing ahead with development plans.