Huge Center Parcs £67 million expansion as guests warned over work starting

Center Parcs has warned customers over potential disruption, as it ploughs ahead with a huge expansion. Whether you're a sucker for the Subtropical Swimming Paradise and wave machine, or love to stroll through the forest after splurging out at the Pancake House - a trip to Centre Parcs is like no other.

The holiday complex, which first came to the UK back in 1987, aims to bring 'people and nature together'. Its site, which tend to be set amongst vast stretches of woodlands, feature all your typical holiday camp facilities - such as an indoor swimming pools, water slides, arcades, restaurants, shops and a spa. But, guests can also work up a sweat thanks to the numerous activities on offer - spanning from badminton and tennis to archery and yoga.

Originating in the Netherlands, Center Parcs now has 28 resorts across Europe, including six in the UK. Over in Ireland, the resort's Longford Forest is a popular choice - and is currently undergoing a huge €80 million (around £76 million) refurb.

The huge investment, which was first announced back in 2021, include the addition of 200 new lodges, including four of the brand's iconic treehouses. These premium accommodation types sleep up to eight people, and come with a games den, outdoor hot tub, private parking and dedicated 'Treehouse Host'.

Alongside new lodges, Center Parcs also has plans to extend its existing leisure facilities, restaurants, cafés, as well as the Subtropical Swimming Paradise and Aqua Sana Spa. In a 2021 press release, Center Parcs said the investment would create 250 permanent jobs, as well as a further 300 jobs during construction.

"As part of our ongoing development, we are currently constructing new lodges and facilities at Center Parcs Longford Forest," the resort states on its website. "During your stay, you may notice increased construction traffic around the village and hear some noise from the works taking place."

Center Parcs confirmed that the works will not impact the village facilities, which will remain open as normal. "We will work hard to keep disruption to a minimum," it added. "Thank you for bearing with us during this time."

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If you're wanting to visit a Center Parcs lodge a bit closer to home, you can choose from Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire; Woburn Forest, Bedfordshire; Elveden Forest, Suffolk; Whinfell Forest, Cumbria, or Longleat Forest, Wiltshire. May half-term breaks start from £799.

Prices include entry to the Subtropical Swimming Paradise, but do not include activities such as tennis, badminton, bowling, or access to the spa. You can book these ahead of your visit on the Center Parcs app.

*Prices based on Center Parcs listings at the time of writing.

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