New Delamere Forest tourist cabins create 60 new jobs

Forest Holidays is getting ready to welcome guests to its brand-new location in Delamere Forest from April 12 and with it, bring 60 new jobs to the local economy.

Both Weaver Vale MP Mike Amesbury and his Eddisbury counterpart Edward Timpson were given sneak peeks of the new holiday park, ahead of the grand opening.

The new development will be home to 66 eco-sensitive cabins designed to allow guests to immerse themselves in nature and connect with the natural world.

The cabins are built in a unique way with a pioneering design which fits around the forest, using a technique which allows cabins to be carefully assembled between the trees and rainwater to drain naturally into the forest floor.

Edward Timpson CBE MP right and Bruce McKendrick left, Chief Executive of Forest Holidays at Delamere Forest new location for Forest Holidays.

After visiting the site on March 26, MP Edward Timpson, commented: "Delamere Forest has been walked, run, cycled and climbed by my own family for many years, so it’s great to see this latest addition for local residents and those further afield to get even closer to Cheshire nature.

"Forest Holidays will also bring welcome employment and economic activity to our area as we begin the road to recovery."

Labour MP Mike Amesbury had originally backed his constituents in opposing the scheme, fearing the impact of a commercial development on the forest setting, but admitted it 'looks great' while welcoming the news of job generation.

He said: "I thank Forest Holidays for the tour and there’s no doubt the holiday park looks great.

"Reflecting the concerns of my constituents, I opposed the development because it was in the Green Belt. But we are where we are.

"This area of the forest will remain open for the public to roam at will. And the scheme appears sympathetic to its surroundings and the environment.

"Clearly, I am pleased it will generate 60 jobs for local people – including many who were previously unemployed - and have a positive ripple effect for the Cheshire economy as we recover from the impact of the pandemic.

"I also welcome the wider investment it has brought to the amenities of Delamere Forest and am assured the operators intend to be good neighbours."

One of the new White Willow Premium cabins on the site.

The Cheshire woodland was chosen as the 11th location for Forest Holidays and 66 eco-sensitive cabins in the north-western part of the forest.

Campaigners were bitterly opposed to the holiday park which was twice rejected by Cheshire West and Chester Council planning committee but was allowed on appeal by a planning inspector following a long-running saga.

Visitors to the new Delamere Forest location are expected to generate an estimated £2.4 million annually for the local economy, helping it to recover and grow following the pandemic.

The holiday park has created 60 full and part-time job opportunities, with 75 per cent of the new team already recruited and living within 10 miles of Delamere Forest.

The newly recruited workforce also includes 60 per cent who had either been made redundant due to coronavirus or were sadly out of work.

Bruce McKendrick, Chief Executive of Forest Holidays commented: "Given that tourism and hospitality has been one of the most significantly affected sectors during the pandemic, we are delighted to be offering a range of new, year-round full and part time job opportunities.

"As normality resumes in the months ahead, we look forward to playing our role in helping the local economy to recover and grow.

"Our year-round occupancy will allow us to make a stable contribution, with our visitors expected to generate an estimated £2.4 million annually for the local economy."

The interior of one of the new White Willow Premium cabins on the site.

The brand-new location offers guests the choice of stylish Hideaway cabins made for two, spacious treehouses which sleep up to 10 guests and more, including new White Willow Premium cabins exclusive to Delamere Forest.