Land & Lakes has announced Bluestone as its partner to bring forward a world-class holiday resort and 1,500 jobs to the Penrhos Estate on Anglesey’s Holy Island.
An agreement has been reached with leading Welsh holiday developer / operator Bluestone to create an environmentally sympathetic development to be known as the Bluestone Holy Island Resort Ynys Môn.
The ambitious regeneration of the historic Penrhos Estate will include luxury holiday lodges, an indoor subtropical water park, premium restaurants overlooking the coast, a wellness spa retreat and a water sports centre – all in accordance withplanning permission granted in 2016.
The development is set to attract thousands of visitors to north Wales in what will be a huge economic boost for Anglesey leading to more than 1,500 new jobs (600 during construction and 900 operational staff).
Land & Lakes, which purchased the Penrhos Coastal Park in August 2016, says the partnership will bring to life its vision for a landmark holiday destination on Anglesey, creating hundreds of sustainable skilled jobs for local people.
Richard Sidi, chief executive for Land & Lakes said:
“We are delighted that Bluestone appreciates the unique setting at Penrhos and shares our vision for its sensitive development.
“Penrhos is a world-class coastal landscape on an island that has been a much-loved family holiday destination for generations. We believe that the landmark nature of this development coupled with its excellent transport links to the UK mainland will drive Anglesey’s tourism economy to the next level.
“Millions of pounds of investment and hundreds of new jobs with careers in hospitality will mean exciting times for the local community. We are committed to ensuring that the people of Anglesey and local businesses benefit as much as possible from this legacy driven project.”
Unique setting and design
The Penrhos Coastal Park will be enhanced with improved nature trails, woodland walks and coastal path, whilst the whole estate will provide a unique setting for the new development.
Around a third of the 200-acre coastal park will remain accessible to the public, and the development will include the creation of new public access to a 100-acre nature reserve at Cae Glas, adjacent to the Penrhos Estate.
Timber and glass fronted contemporary lodges with natural stone landscaped walls will be designed to complement the environment, showcasing the estate’s spectacular sweeping beaches, woodland and rolling countryside.
Thoughtful consideration will also be given to restoring the estate’s historic buildings where British prime ministers Lord Asquith and Winston Churchill once holidayed.
Bluestone CEO William McNamara said:
“This is a part of Wales that deserves to be shown off to the rest of the world, but it also needs to be developed carefully, respecting and protecting its stunning environment, much like we continue to do in Pembrokeshire.
“We have a wealth of experience with working with local suppliers and have helped build a huge variety of businesses in Pembrokeshire over the past decade. We hope we can replicate the same in the community of Ynys Môn.
“It’s also a significant deal for Wales, and a sign that Welsh businesses believe in our nation – giving thousands of families across the border a reason to visit our beautiful country, spend their holidays here and be part of our story.”
Funding is now being sought for the development, which could open as early as 2021, to include grant funding. Outline planning permission has already been approved, with councils and tourism bosses both backing the project.
Investing in Wales and creating jobs
The plans represent a huge boost for the area and a victory in the battle to bring more investment to Holy Island, located in an Enterprise Zone. It has been long hoped that tourism can play a bigger role in creating jobs.
The development is also expected to bring significant attention to Wales, attracting families who want to explore the region from areas such as Liverpool, Manchester and Chester, with a population of 17 million living within a three-hour drive.
Both Land & Lakes and Bluestone intend for local businesses to help build and operate the new facility, with jobs filled by people living nearby
Around 600 jobs are expected to be created during the two-year construction period. Once up and running 900 people would be employed on site, with a further 110 jobs expected to be created by suppliers and businesses connected to the resort.
It is hoped that by employing people from Anglesey it will encourage them to stay in the area and in turn help protect the culture and language in such a richly historic part of Wales.
The development will represent a step change for the area and help to sustain the businesses that operate around it.
