HINKLEY Pount C is spending over £2 million into Pontins Brean Sands Holiday Park, where hundreds of workers will be living over the next three years.

As it moves into peak construction, Hinkley Point C will be using the holiday park with around 900 workers being housed there.

The move follows discussions with the local community, councillors and business groups which began in Autumn 2022. 

Pontins Brean Sands will house workers for the next three years, until November 2025. EDF, the French electricity firm building Hinkley Point C, had submitted a change of use request for the holiday park to Sedgemoor District Council in August.

The future of the Pontins site had been uncertain and the facilities in need of modernisation – but Hinkley Point C’s investment will leave it in a better condition for future holidaymakers.  

The project’s use of Pontins will bring year-around benefits to the local economy outside of the holiday season. Over 80 full-time year-round jobs have been created and workers will spend millions of pounds in the local area. Community groups can also access Hinkley Point C’s £20 million community fund – with groups in Berrow and Burnham already receiving over two hundred thousand pounds in grants. 

A massive refurbishment of the chalets has been carried out - including new kitchens, bathrooms, furniture, TVs, and all new Wi-Fi access. The restaurant, bar and laundry areas have also been upgraded and a brand-new gym installed. The park’s swimming pool is also being maintained and it remains open for community use. 

Workers are also bringing their families to stay at the chalets and are making use of the beach and local leisure attractions. 

The cost-of-living crisis and poor weather in the early season is affecting tourism nationwide, but Brean continues to be a popular destination.

Businesses which may be more affected by the project’s use of the holiday park are being given support. Grants are being made available for businesses to adapt and the project is also funding marketing campaigns to bring new visitors to the area.  

Tommy Marshall, an Industrial Relations Manager for BYLOR, said: “I’ve been living here for 6 months, and it suits me because I can really make my chalet my own.

“My partner and six children, who live in Ireland, also come to stay with me regularly.

“The kids absolutely love it because there’s loads for them to do – like the beach, the amusement arcades and getting an ice-cream. They wish they could live here all the time!”