Family moves into former Pontins site development in Hemsby

But the 50-year-old offshore worker can now call it home.

Mr Cater and his son and daughter have become the first family to move into the newly redeveloped site called The Dunes.

Work to transform the former Pontins site, about a mile from the coastline, into homes is underway with one section of the development now completed. 

Lodge Park Homes, which bought the 23-acre site for £ 7m in July 2022, is thrilled that the first occupants have moved in.   

Mr Cater grew up in the neighbouring village of Winterton and has many fond memories of cycling to Pontins with his friends in his youth to enjoy the fun the holiday resort had to offer.

He said: "Hemsby has always been close to home and I am very pleased to be here with my family. 

"I have special memories of coming here with my friends on our bikes, we used to come here all the time, it was brilliant. We never always were on our best behaviour, I must confess.

Mr Carter's new home (Image: Denise Bradley)

"It is extraordinary to be here now, as a homeowner on the same site. Back then I never imagined this site would be houses and I would be buying one of them.

"I love the development with its modern touch and it is in keeping with the village life and greenery here, it’s very beautiful. I love the sea air, it’s all very fresh. 

“The style of the property with the open plan layout is what drew me to the property, I knew straight away this was the one for me and my family when I came to view it."

Paul Cater with his children, Oscar and Yve, as they move into their new home at The Dunes on the former Pontins site at Hemsby. (Image: Denise Bradley)

New homes at The Dunes on the former Pontins site at Hemsby. (Image: Denise Bradley)

READ MORE: MORE homes could be built in quiet Norfolk village as ANOTHER application submitted​Kat Eindorf, sales marketing director, and Kelvin Howe, project manager, with the new homes at The Dunes on the former Pontins site at Hemsby. (Image: Denise Bradley)

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Kat Eindorf, sales and market director from Lodge Park Homes, is thrilled that Mr Cater has moved in and hopes he and his family settle well before other occupants move in.

She said: "It has been a very long journey leading up to this moment and it is so so rewarding that the first family is moving in. 

“And when the rest have moved in there will be a lovely community here. We think all the people we have lined up want to be part of the community and the development will be a huge success and be full of life. 

“In some developments there isn’t much green space, but here is special as there is greenery in abundance and the coast is just a ten minute walk away."

READ MORE: Quiet Norfolk village could have homes built behind its recently closed pub

The old and the new as the former Pontins buildings are being transformed into new homes at The Dunes at Hemsby. (Image: Denise Bradley)

Picture of Pontin's in Hemsby where Lodge Park Homes have redeveloped and are redeveloping (Image: Anglea Sharpe)

THE FORMER PONTINS SITE

The former Pontins site closed in January 2009, blaming fewer visitors and escalating costs.

It stood empty for a decade and fell into a state of wrack and ruin before Lodge Park Homes took on the project to redevelop it.

The site's 50-plus buildings became a target for vandals and arsonists alike.

In its heyday, the Pontins holiday camp at Hemsby housed tens of thousands of holidaymakers during the season.

The demolition of the former Pontins site in Hemsby. (Image: Anglian Demolition and Asbestos Ltd.)

Norfolk Fire Service on the scene of a chalet block fire at the former Pontins holiday park site in Hemsby. (Image: James Bass)

The Former Hemsby Pontins Holiday camp. (Image: Nick Butcher)