An abandoned UK theme park that has sat empty for nearly a decade is poised for a dramatic transformation into a £70 million holiday resort, after council officers recommended approval for the ambitious plans. Pleasure Island in Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire, closed its gates in 2016 after more than 20 years of operation, and has since fallen into disrepair.
Plans for a 'Center Parcs-by-the-Sea'
Developers have described the scheme as a 'Center Parcs-by-the-sea', featuring 272 holiday lodges, two hotels, a Lidl supermarket, a Costa drive-through coffee shop, a food hall, a garden centre, and leisure facilities. The £70 million development would be built across the 60-acre site, with lodges ranging from two to four bedrooms. One hotel would have 58 rooms, while the larger 148-room hotel is expected to include a casino and a conference centre capable of hosting up to 900 people.
Lake to Become Fishing Destination
The large lake at the centre of the former theme park would be retained and repurposed as a fishing destination, complete with a new anglers' hub, changing rooms, lockers, and toilets. The plans were first submitted in January 2023 but have faced several delays due to concerns from regulatory bodies and local residents.
Environmental and Community Concerns
Natural England raised concerns about the potential impact on the nearby Humber Estuary Special Protection Area, which hosts a wide variety of bird species. The Environment Agency also objected to changes involving a new bridge across Buck Beck, and a number of local residents submitted objections during the planning process. However, a lengthy planning report concluded the scheme should go ahead, with council officers stating it would help bring the long-abandoned site back into use after years of standing empty.
History of Pleasure Island
Pleasure Island first opened in May 1993 and at its height attracted more than 250,000 visitors a year, featuring almost 50 rides. Major attractions included the Boomerang rollercoaster, the 120-foot Hyperblaster drop tower, and the Pendulus swinging ride, alongside family attractions, a historic carousel, and sea lion shows. The park closed at the end of the 2016 season as visitor numbers declined, with many holidaymakers opting for cheaper package holidays abroad instead of UK seaside breaks. Most large rides were removed in subsequent years, but parts of the entrance, show buildings, and other structures were left behind and gradually deteriorated.
Economic Impact and Next Steps
If the plans receive final approval, construction is expected to create around 400 jobs, and once completed, the resort is expected to support approximately 370 permanent hospitality and retail jobs. A timetable for construction has not yet been announced.
