Center Parcs has lodged planning permission for a major extension to its facilities in Newcastle Wood.
Having initially opened its doors to mass acclaim in 2019, the renowned company is seeking permission from the local authority to construct 198 new lodges, as well as an extension to it spa and sub tropical swimming pool feature.
A new District Heating system is also proposed for the site with an Energy Centre, a staff welfare and storage building, two remote housekeeping stores and extensions to the housekeeping and technical buildings to provide storage. New solar panels would be installed on the sports hall, sports cafe and sports hall extension, the newly lodged plans reveal.
An expansion of leisure and food and beverage facilities to accommodate more guests involves several extensions to the existing village centre restaurants including Huck’s restaurant, Cara’s restaurant, Sports Café restaurant and Bella Italia restaurant.
A new car park is also proposed to provide 313 car parking spaces for staff and the provision of electrical vehicle charging points is also included with new cycle parking.
Of the 198 new lodges, the vast majority (105 ) planned are three bedroom lodges, there are 56 new two bedroom lodges, 32 four bedroom lodges, four six-bedroom lodges and one five bed lodge. External sauna/pods will would be provided with specific lodges which will be located in three zones within the 160 hectare forest holiday village.
The UK-based firm previously confirmed that the planned expansion proposed would bring the capacity of the Ballymahon village up to 3,500 when it is full.
Despite numerous Covid-19 enforced closures and restrictions during the previous two years, Center Parcs reached the momentous milestone of one million visitors at the Longford Forest resort recently.
If planning permission is granted in September, it is believed that 300 jobs will be created during the construction phase of the expansion project.
