2 days Ago
Senedd members lamented the sudden closure of Oakwood, the largest theme park in Wales, and called for action to secure a future for the site. Aspro Parks, the owner of Oakwood, announced the theme park will not open for the 2025 season due to falling visitor numbers, inflation, and employer national insurance increases. Samuel Kurtz, the Conservatives’ shadow economy secretary, said Oakwood has held a special place in the hearts of many in Pembrokeshire and across Wales for nearly 40 years.
He told the Senedd: "I’ve got really fond memories of my time visiting as a child and even more recently with Andrew RT Davies. "But it’s a really important part of our tourism offer in west Wales." Mr Kurtz, who represents Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, said Aspro has cited "unrelenting challenges" as the reason for the closure after investing £25m since 2008.
The former journalist raised concerns about the impact of the UK Government’s decision on national insurance and the "shadow" of the Welsh Government’s looming tourism tax. Mr Kurtz called for commitment from the Welsh Government to find a buyer to secure the future of the site as soon as possible. During topical questions on March 5, Rebecca Evans said the Welsh Government is awaiting details of the impact on job losses and the future of the site.
Wales’ economy secretary told the Senedd: "For those individual workers, this news is going to be absolutely devastating, so we stand ready to work through our React+ programme and others with each and every one of those individuals." Ms Evans said: "I don’t think there’s anything in relation to the announcement today that suggests this is a Wales-specific issue, I think the issues described are wider than things the Welsh Government can have a direct impact on." She shared concerns about the site becoming derelict, saying the Welsh Government will do what it can to facilitate a quick sale.
Plaid Cymru’s Cefin Campbell, who represents Mid and West Wales, echoed disappointment at the shock announcement. Mr Campbell pressed the minister on when the Welsh Government first heard about the problems, asking about support that could be provided to save the park..
