Cumbrian firm acquires 56-acre marina village in Essex

Cumbrian holiday park and marina operator Lakeland Leisure Estates is expanding into the South East.

The Windermere-based company has acquired a marina and leisure complex in Essex with eight-figure funding from HSBC.

The deal, forecast to grow Lakeland Leisure Estates’ revenues by 33% in the next 12 months, has enabled the firm to create six jobs at its Windermere HQ.

Roydon Marina Village occupies a 56-acre site near the northern outskirts of London. Alongside its 350-birth marina, the complex also boasts over 60 holiday lodges and a hotel, café and Italian restaurant.

Lakeland Leisure Estates has plans to refurbish the the Village’s site’s rental lodges and café. It will also invest in new Wi-Fi facilities and site infrastructure.

Nigel Wimpenny, managing director at Lakeland Leisure Estates, said: “This excellent site is a key part of our strategy to grow our marina portfolio, mainly through the acquisition of well-established locations.

“This is the second large purchase we have made with the support of HSBC this year and our relationship director, David Edwards, provided invaluable support throughout.”

He added: “We are now looking to expand and diversify our holiday park offering to customers throughout the UK.”

David Edwards, relationship director for Greater Manchester at HSBC, commented: “Lakeland Leisure Estates is an impressive business with a strong reputation in the leisure industry and a clear growth strategy.

“We’re proud to support it as it expands into new markets; achieving sales growth and creating new jobs in Cumbria.”

Law firm Addleshaw Goddard acted for HSBC in the deal. Walker Morris advised Lakeland Leisure Estates.

The family-run company was founded in 2009 by Phill and Carol Morgan.

Lakeland Leisure Estates’ portfolio includes five marinas and caravan parks across the Yorkshire Dales and Costa del Sol.