Local MP Alan Mak has visited Mill Rythe Coastal Village on Hayling Island to welcome a multi-million pound re-development by owner Away Resorts.
When completed, the newly re-developed site will feature an indoor pool, sports court, lounge bar and multiple scenic walking routes. There are also over 100 holiday homes which can be rented by visiting tourists.
The holiday park has been a long-standing fixture of Hayling Island, dating back to 1940s when it was called Sunshine Holiday Camp. It was popular with families after the war and even saw scenes from BBC sit-com Hi-de-Hi! filmed there. Away Resorts, which runs seven sites including Sandy Balls in the New Forest, has plans to turn it into a contemporary, self-catered destination.
Alan Mak MP said: “I welcome the new investment at Mill Rythe Coastal Village which will create new jobs for local people and offer new facilities to visitors who are vital to Hayling’s economy. Mill Rythe has always been a popular destination, and updating its facility will enable to the holiday park to expand its offering, building on the financial support offered by the Government to help businesses get through the pandemic”
Carl Castledine, Chief Executive of Away Resorts, said: “I am very happy to welcome Alan to the Mill Rythe Holiday Park. Thanks to Government support over the lockdown period such as the furlough scheme and Business Grants, our sector has been able to keep moving through very difficult times. This new site will bring in tourists from across the U.K, which will contribute to Hayling Island’s local economy.”
As part of an ongoing package of support for businesses in the hospitality sector, the Government has announced that the temporary reduction in VAT will continue until 21st March 2022. This will enable the hospitality sector to bounce back after it was hit particularly hard by COVID restrictions.
