Center Parcs says it will have a fifth camp in operation by mid-2009 after reaching agreement to lease a site on the Duke of Bedford’s estate near Woburn.
Martin Dalby, chief executive, said he was confident of gaining planning permission for one of the group’s holiday village centres after beginning negotiations with the Mid-Bedfordshire District Council.
The 147ha (365 acre) Warren Wood site was selected from more than 40 possible areas and will be the same size as Center Parcs’ other village centres. Dalby said the group expected to announce further plans for the separate development of its Spa concept within the next few months. Analysts have suggested that Center Parcs will try to acquire a spa chain, or possibly form a joint venture, to take its spas to the high street.
References: Financial Times 10/12/04 page 24, The Daily Telegraph 10/12/04 page 35, The Times 10/12/04 page 62, The Guardian 10/12/04 page 23 (Roundup)
