VIDEO: New owners of huge holiday park in Northampton reveal 'first steps' of 'serious investment' into site

Meadow Bay Villages bought Billing Aquadrome and Cogenhoe Mill in March, rescuing the two parks from a 10-month stint in administration.

In April, the firm said it was pouring more than £3 million into Billing Aquadrome as an initial investment.

Chief Executive Officer of Meadow Bay Villages, Geoffrey Smith declared “we are confident that we can herald a fresh start for each resort and build on their existing popularity”.

Speaking exclusively to Chronicle & Echo, Mr Smith has announced plans for rejuvenation at Billing Aquadrome, including hiring more than 100 seasonal staff, investing in local suppliers, and upgrading facilities with new dining options like Papa John's and Smash Burgers, with further long-term investment plans underway.

The CEO said: “We’ve received great support since acquiring Billing Aquadrome in late-March and we know how much it means to local people and the economy as well as generations of visitors who come to this wonderful part of the world.

“There is a lot of work to do to rejuvenate the resort but I’m delighted that we’ve already hit the ground running with our short-term goals whilst working on our plans for long-term investment.

“We are now advertising for more than 100 seasonal staff to join us for the summer season. As a company, we have a focus on equipping our colleagues with new skills and training opportunities so that a long-term career in the sector becomes a viable and attractive prospect.

“There is also a real emphasis on using local suppliers for other restaurants and other facilities and we’ve already started identifying the best local producers we can lean upon to provide a quality offering. I know from my experience in the sector that holidaymakers choose where to stay not simply because of the resort – they want a flavour of what the region is all about and if we can incorporate that into our experiences on site, then all the better.

“The first stage of upgrades to some of our facilities are also well underway. We’re introducing new dining options in our main complex including Papa John's and Smash Burgers.

“Work will also be completed shortly on a renewal of existing stage and outdoor infrastructure, whilst we are also working on our touring pitches to ensure they are an attractive proposition for guests during this summer.

“This is very much the first step in a long-term plan for serious investment in Billing Aquadrome and we will reveal more details about that in due course.

"We want to build our relationship with West Northamptonshire Council, politicians, stakeholders and others to ensure we can play a key role in a thriving local economy and we’ve been delighted by the response so far.

"We’re really optimistic about the future and will also continue to engage with owners and guests to hear what they want from Billing Aquadrome in the coming years.”

The firm added that initial discussions are underway regarding response to flooding at the site after hundreds of residents were forced to evacuate their properties at the start of the New Year.