Everything we know about the plans so far
Despite the development not opening until 2026 at the earliest Center Parcs has revealed plenty of information about the holiday site it wants to build in Worth.
This is everything we know so far.
Where is it?
The company has secured an option agreement to acquire 553-acres of privately owned woodland at Oldhouse Warren off Balcombe Road, Worth, Crawley.
Why has Center Parcs picked Worth?
Center Parcs said following an extensive search, the 553-acres of woodland has been identified as a suitable site due to its location to the south of London and its excellent transport links. When could it be finished? Up to 900 lodges could be built in Worth with the development taking at least five years to complete, subject to planning permission being granted. A planning application is likely to be put in next summer and, at the earliest, the site may open its doors in 2026.
What could be built on the site?
The site at Oldhouse Warren will include lodges, a range of indoor and outdoor leisure facilities, a subtropical swimming paradise, a variety of restaurants and shops and an Aqua Sana Spa, Center Parcs said.
Will it create jobs?
The development is expected to cost between £350m and £400m and create approximately 1,500 permanent local jobs once operational and a further 1,000 jobs during construction.
Center Parcs’ CEO, Martin Dalby, said: “It is really exciting to have identified a potential site for another Center Parcs village in the UK. The proposal we will be submitting will create a significant number of jobs and bring major benefits to the local and national economy.”
What do people think?
Mims Davies, Mid Sussex MP said the park, which Center Parcs hopes to build in Worth, near Crawley, would drive tourism and holidays to the area – supporting the local economy and employment.
Reacting to the park’s announcement, she said: “Center Parcs has announced it has identified a site in Mid Sussex area for its new UK location – its sixth site and a £350 million investment – subject to planning.
“A massive potential rocket for our local economy and jobs with more tourism and holidays coming here.”
The site falls into the area covered by Mid Sussex District Council. Its leader Jonathan Ash-edwards said the site could be a
‘huge boost’ for Sussex’s economy.
He added: “Center Parcs has announced it has identified a site in Mid Sussex for its sixth UK location in what could be a £350m investment.
“There is a rigorous planning process ahead, but their interest is a huge boost for the Sussex economy as it recovers from the pandemic.” Horsham MP Jeremy Quin, said: “This is a potentially very exciting investment which could bring significantly more jobs and diversify the local economy away from its Gatwick and aviation focus.
“However we do need to look at the implications very carefully. It will need careful consideration through the planning process - not just on the implications for the immediate area but on the local transport infrastructure.”
Crawley MP Henry Smith said the development would have a ‘significant impact’ on the area.
He added: “I’ve only seen the general Centre Parc’s proposal for Oldhouse Warren, the woods are in Mid Sussex District Council’s area and the constituency MP is Jeremy Quin, nevertheless it would have a significant impact on Crawley.
“This is a sensitive habitat and I believe this is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest so the local authority will likely not grant permission.”
Will people be consulted on what they think before plans are submitted?
Center Parcs said it will now undertake rigorous site surveys and pre-planning works to ensure the woodland meets the specific requirements of a Center Parcs village, as well as carrying out a programme of community engagement with a view to submitting a planning application to the local authority in due course.