Southport Pontins was closed down in January 2024 by Britannia Hotels, prompting ongoing speculation about what will happen to the site
12:31, 15 Apr 2026Updated 13:28, 15 Apr 2026
Inside the abandoned Pontins in April 2026(Image: Adventurous Hiker)
Britannia Hotels (BH) has broken a years-long silence to update the ECHO on its plans for the Pontins site in Southport. It comes more than two years after it was closed down in January 2024, prompting ongoing speculation about its future use.
Since its closure, the former holiday park has remained under the control of BH, the parent company of Pontins, with no confirmation as to what will happen or whether it will ever reopen. The ECHO revealed last year that BH signed a 150 year lease with Sefton Council, with more than 130 years remaining on the leasehold with the local authority.
In November, and according to Sefton Central MP Bill Esterson, BH confirmed it is working on “possible plans” for the future of Pontins in Ainsdale.
Mr Esterson wrote at the time: “I met Britannia, which owns the site and currently holds a long-term lease. They confirmed they are working on possible plans and conducting further site visits.
Inside the abandoned Pontins in April 2026(Image: Adventurous Hiker)
“While any medium-term progress depends on decisions which Britannia will take, I am encouraged that they agreed to keep talking to me as they develop their plans.”
In January, the ECHO reported on a Sefton Council update about the ongoing closure of the Pontins, including comments from Cllr Paulette Lappin, cabinet member for regeneration, skills and employment, who said the local authority will continue discussions with BH.
Cllr Lappin added: “In the interim we’ll do some market testing to see what ideas potential investors may have for the site alongside the wider coastal gateway if the current leaseholders aren’t interested in doing something of benefit for the local community.”
In February, the ECHO was made aware of reports of police officers and police dogs seen navigating their way around the Pontins Southport site, with suggestions the area was being used for training exercises. This was later confirmed by Merseyside Police.
After that report was published, we were contacted by a BH representative who advised it would be willing to provide an update on the Pontins site in Southport. We compiled some questions, which we submitted on February 17, and were informed it would take some time to get a response approved.
Inside the abandoned Pontins in April 2026(Image: Adventurous Hiker)
That response arrived this morning (Wednesday, April 15), detailing the current state-of-play at the site, including three other vacant holiday parks, and what plans BH has going forward.
A spokesperson for Britannia Hotels Group told us: “Following their closure, we have been undertaking a series of surveys and land assessments for our three vacant Pontins sites to determine what future uses may be viable.
“As part of this process, we have appointed a planning consultancy to develop pre-planning applications for consideration by the respective local authorities.
“These proposals include the potential demolition of the aged chalets and options for their replacement, reflecting evolving guest expectations and the long-term sustainability of the sites.
“In the meantime, as a gesture of goodwill, we have made all sites available to local emergency services, who have been using them for training exercises while they remain unoccupied.
“Our priority is to secure positive long-term outcomes for all sites and we will provide further updates as our plans progress.”
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