Work begins on £23million eco lodge development at Bluestone National Park Resort
Work has started on a £23million investment of 80 new ‘Platinum’ luxury ecologically sensitive lodges at Bluestone National Park Resort, near Narberth, Pembrokeshire.
The development is the fourth phase at Bluestone which currently has 344 existing lodges, cottages and studio apartments surrounding its private village all nestled within 500 acres of stunning Pembrokeshire countryside.
At least 250 jobs will be sustained during the construction phase and 100 operational jobs will be created once completed. Bluestone already employs more than 800 people and 65 per cent of its £6million annual expenditure is retained in Pembrokeshire through employment and using a local supply chain.
The company says the additional lodges will increase visitor spend in the area by £1m a year and Bluestone’s own impact on the economy by a further £1.5million annually.
The ‘Platinum’ lodges will be located with their private entrance, complete with virtual check-in. They will provide some of the most luxurious facilities to date at the resort.
The construction work will be undertaken in four phases over 18 months, with the first lodges opening in Summer 2023.
“This is another significant milestone for Bluestone, creating even more opportunities for visitors coming to Pembrokeshire. Not only will they enjoy high quality accommodation, but lodges that will have been constructed as sustainably as possible,” said Liz Weedon, Head of Projects at Bluestone.
Timber and other sustainable materials have been used in the design and construction of the lodges in addition to other materials, heated by a sustainable source.
“We have worked closely with our contractors to ensure there is limited disruption to the local community or guests staying on resort during work. The location of the site combined with a phased approach will support this,
Liz added: “The additional lodges will provide an economic boost to the local area and economy through additional jobs, more visitors and additional local supply chain demands during and after construction.”
Special fencing has already been erected around the site to ensure there is minimum impact or disruption to guests staying at the resort. Road use around Bluestone will also be kept to a minimum with planned deliveries and careful planning.
The main contractors are SJ Roberts Construction Ltd, a Welsh construction company, who will be using local suppliers and contractors during the project.
Mike Sambrook, Managing Director of SJ Roberts, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded the build contract for this fantastic development at Bluestone. There has been a huge amount of collaborative working between all members of the design team in preparation ahead of site commencement and we cannot wait to get started.”
The timber frames will be manufactured by our sister company, Lowfield Timber Frames, at our HQ in Mid-Wales with the remainder of the supply chain being carefully selected to ensure a quality build is guaranteed and that programme and budget targets are met.”
More details can be found at Platinum Lodges Coming Soon (bluestonewales.com).