We learn more about the multi-million pound purchase of half a dozen sites by Wyldecrest Parks, the UK’s largest residential park operator
Wyldecrerst Parks owner Alfie Best has completed a £9.25million deal to buy six caravan sites across the south of England.
His most recent acquisition is a take-over of the Silver Lakes Investment freeholds in six parks: The Willows Park in Arundel; Silver Lakes Park in Drayton; Orchard Park in Rustington; Marigolds Park in Bognor Regis, and Beechfield Park and Aldingbourne Park in Aldingbourne, West Sussex.
Latest plan
Mr Best said his plan was, with the backing of residents, to also take over the leaseholds on all the sites over the next three months.
He explained: “We would like to negotiate with the residents and we would bring residents on board to look at what improvements and what they’d like if we can manage that, improving the quality and improving their lives.”
“Improvements could include electric gates or CCTV – although ‘to be fair, they’re very, very nice parks anyway,” he said.
The reason for the shift in lease would be two-fold.
Firstly, Wyldecrest Parks, which now has 72 parks, owns both lease and freehold on its other locations and prefers to operate that way.
Secondly, Mr Best said: “The idea of a more permanent lease gives residents more assurance long-term under the 1983 Mobile Homes Act.
“By doing that, we would give stability. Rather than a temporary ten or 15 years on, we would have an indefinite period on that lease.”
‘A fair price’
Mr. Best reckoned the £9.25million price tag was “a fair price” for the real estate, and yes, he would live in them.
“Of course I would. I know more than most people ever know in their lives about caravans, I was born and bred in them!”
INFO POINT
Wyldecrest Parks’ head office is at:
Wyldecrest House, 857 London Road, Grays,
Essex RM20 3AT
For more information about Wyldecrest Parks, contact:
T: 0844 567 7300
E: mailenquiry@wyldecrestparks.com
W: www.wyldecrestparks.co.uk
