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Daily Mirror
21-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Plans to reopen abandoned UK theme park after its closure
The resort first opened its gates 40 years ago and was considered a rite of passage for many Earlier this year, the news that Oakwood Theme Park, one of only two theme parks in Wales and the largest, was closing down left many heartbroken. The park, which has been a source of joy for families and children for 40 years, announced its immediate closure on March 4. The Spanish leisure company, Aspro Parks, owns Oakwood among its 68 other attractions across Europe. However, one determined Welsh local is keen to see it return. For him and many others who grew up in Wales, the theme park "was a rite of passage". The resident, who did not want to be named, has established an organisation named Richens Leisure Projects (RLP). They have proposed a plan to resurrect the beloved theme park, fuelled by their own cherished childhood memories of Oakwood. They said: "I grew up in west Wales. I remember every queue, every hill climb, every first drop. "Oakwood wasn't just a theme park - it was a rite of passage for kids in this country. You didn't just go there. You remembered it." The park's owners stated that shutting down was the only feasible solution after grappling with financial troubles and a declining visitor count over the years, reports Wales Online. RLP's new proposal aims to stimulate employment in the Pembrokeshire area, where the park has lost some of its iconic rides, with projections of creating over 100 seasonal job opportunities. RLP announced they've drawn up a phased capital reinvestment strategy aimed at reviving infrastructure at their site in order to 're-establish Oakwood as a national leisure destination'. Explaining their intentions, they said: "This isn't about nostalgia - it's about rebuilding pride. It's about giving today's kids the same memories we had, only with something stronger behind it: community ownership and a long-term plan." They also expressed a willingness to engage with the current owners, saying: "If the park's future is undecided, we'd welcome the chance to speak to the owners. We're not here to pressure - we're here to restore what still means something." They added: "This has been a quiet, locally driven effort to put a serious and respectful proposal forward for Oakwood. It's about long-term sustainability, community benefit, and giving a much-loved Welsh destination a proper future - not a rebrand or a quick flip." Commenting on the status of their offer, they added: "Right now, the proposal has been submitted to the current owners and remains open. We've tried to do things properly, without noise or pressure. But when something this significant sits dormant - and there's a credible route forward - it's natural that people start asking questions." While keeping details under wraps, the spokesperson assured: "I'm not in a position to disclose financials or backers while the ownership remains unresolved - but the figures are solid, the strategy is backed by real modelling, and the ambition matches the scale of what Oakwood could be. This isn't a concept. It's a prepared, actionable plan that can move the moment a conversation opens." RLP has reached out to the current owner of the park with its proposal, but a formal response is yet to be received. Aspro Parks, the current owners, have also been contacted by WalesOnline for comment but have not responded. The announcement of Oakwood's closure sparked mixed reactions, with some arguing it should have shut down years ago, while others mourned the loss of the once thriving attraction. Following the news of the closure, a petition was launched in a bid to save the theme park.
Western Telegraph
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Western Telegraph
Pembrokeshire's Oakwood Theme Park revival plan put forward
The iconic attraction was shut down last March by its owners, Spanish leisure company Aspro Parks, who blamed decreasing footfall and rising costs for their decision to end the park's 38-year existence. Aspro is now said to be considering the proposal from RLP (Richens Leisure Projects) and RLP said: "We'd love to open as soon as possible." The man behind RLP, who lives in Carmarthenshire, close to the Pembrokeshire border, has asked to remain anonymous for the time being. But he has happy childhood memories of Oakwood in its glory days as the top tourist attraction in Wales, when it brought in over 500,000 visitors a year. The ride photo from Megafobia was a must-have Oakwood souvenir. (Image: Andrew RT Davies) "We don't just want to reopen the park — we want to enhance it, evolve it, and build something Wales can be proud of on an international scale,' he told the Western Telegraph. 'This is our one project, our full focus, and our commitment is absolute." Megafobia was regarded as one of the best wooden roller-coasters in the world. (Image: Gareth Davies Photography) 'I grew up in West Wales,' he added.' I remember every queue, every hill climb, every first drop. "Oakwood wasn't just a theme park — it was a rite of passage for kids in this country. You didn't just go there. You remembered it.' He continued: 'This isn't about nostalgia — it's about rebuilding pride. It's about giving today's kids the same memories we had, only with something stronger behind it: community ownership and a long-term plan.' Within a week of closure, the park was looking sorry for itself. (Image: Hidden Pembrokeshire - Gareth Davies Photography) He confirmed that he understands that his formal acquisition proposal is being reviewed by Aspro Parks and added: "The public response has already been overwhelming — what's missing is movement from the owners. We're ready when they are.' At the time of Oakwood's closure, Wales' First Minister, Eluned Morgan, said she was 'deeply saddened' at the news. She is amongst key stakeholders throughout Wales – including Welsh Government economy and tourism divisions and Visit Wales – who have been contacted by RLP. A visit to Oakwood was always a n eagerly-awaited treat. (Image: Oakwood Theme Park) While not wishing to reveal any images of their plans for Oakwood's revival at this stage, RLP's owner says that the plan "isn't about flipping a distressed asset. It's about rebuilding something meaningful for west Wales - a park with pride, roots and identity." "The moment we get the green light, we're ready to raise the serious funding this will require. "That's already in motion — but it only activates once we have Aspro's approval to proceed. We've planned the infrastructure, the rides, the workforce, and the Welsh-facing identity. "Now we just need the door to open."
South Wales Argus
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Pembrokeshire's Oakwood Theme Park revival plan put forward
The iconic attraction was shut down last March by its owners, Spanish leisure company Aspro Parks, who blamed decreasing footfall and rising costs for their decision to end the park's 38-year existence. Aspro is now said to be considering the proposal from RLP (Richens Leisure Projects) and RLP said: "We'd love to open as soon as possible." The man behind RLP, who lives in Carmarthenshire, close to the Pembrokeshire border, has asked to remain anonymous for the time being. But he has happy childhood memories of Oakwood in its glory days as the top tourist attraction in Wales, when it brought in over 500,000 visitors a year. The ride photo from Megafobia was a must-have Oakwood souvenir. (Image: Andrew RT Davies) "We don't just want to reopen the park — we want to enhance it, evolve it, and build something Wales can be proud of on an international scale,' he told the Western Telegraph. 'This is our one project, our full focus, and our commitment is absolute." Megafobia was regarded as one of the best wooden roller-coasters in the world. (Image: Gareth Davies Photography) 'I grew up in West Wales,' he added.' I remember every queue, every hill climb, every first drop. "Oakwood wasn't just a theme park — it was a rite of passage for kids in this country. You didn't just go there. You remembered it.' He continued: 'This isn't about nostalgia — it's about rebuilding pride. It's about giving today's kids the same memories we had, only with something stronger behind it: community ownership and a long-term plan.' Within a week of closure, the park was looking sorry for itself. (Image: Hidden Pembrokeshire - Gareth Davies Photography) He confirmed that he understands that his formal acquisition proposal is being reviewed by Aspro Parks and added: "The public response has already been overwhelming — what's missing is movement from the owners. We're ready when they are.' At the time of Oakwood's closure, Wales' First Minister, Eluned Morgan, said she was 'deeply saddened' at the news. She is amongst key stakeholders throughout Wales – including Welsh Government economy and tourism divisions and Visit Wales – who have been contacted by RLP. A visit to Oakwood was always a n eagerly-awaited treat. (Image: Oakwood Theme Park) While not wishing to reveal any images of their plans for Oakwood's revival at this stage, RLP's owner says that the plan "isn't about flipping a distressed asset. It's about rebuilding something meaningful for west Wales - a park with pride, roots and identity." "The moment we get the green light, we're ready to raise the serious funding this will require. "That's already in motion — but it only activates once we have Aspro's approval to proceed. We've planned the infrastructure, the rides, the workforce, and the Welsh-facing identity. "Now we just need the door to open."
Daily Mail
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
How ambitious resident plans to reopen abandoned UK theme park and turn it into a tourist hotspot
An ambitious Welsh resident has vowed to revive an abandoned theme park and transform it into a 'booming' tourist hub. The anonymous local is determined to re-open Oakwood Theme Park, based in the heart of Pembrokeshire. Spread across 90 acres of countryside, the park first opened in April 1987, and went on to become a hugely popular and successful attraction in Wales, reaching its peak with over 400,000 visitors annually. Spread across 90 acres of countryside, the park was known for its variety of family-friendly options, along with thrill rides such as Vertigo, Bounce, and Dizzy Disk. It was also home to key attractions such as Speed, the fastest ride in Wales, and Megafobia, a world-renowned wooden roller coaster often ranked among the best in Europe and the UK. However, after 40 years of providing fun for children and families, Oakwood announced the news of its sudden closure on March 4 - leaving locals devastated. A statement released on the park's website earlier this year confirmed it would not open for the 2025 season, despite receiving a multi-million pound investment over the years from its owner, Aspro Parks. The park added: 'Aspro Parks has invested over £25M since rescuing the park from being at risk of closure in 2008. 'Most recently a major refurbishment of Megafobia, the iconic wooden rollercoaster was completed to great success and acclaim from enthusiasts and fans of the park. 'Despite the ongoing investment visitor numbers have declined, the financial performance of the park has suffered, making further investment unsustainable.' 'All possible avenues have been explored to avoid the closure, and we fully recognise the impact of the closure on the local community and the loss that will be felt as a result.' Though Oakwood's owner, Astro Parks, operates 68 other attractions across Europe, its Pembrokeshire location has left residents especially disheartened. But one local hero has now made a commitment to re-open the beloved theme park. Speaking to Wales Online, the anonymous resident said: 'I grew up in west Wales. I remember every queue, every hill climb, every first drop. 'Oakwood wasn't just a theme park - it was a rite of passage for kids in this country. You didn't just go there. You remembered it.' The resident has since set up an organisation called Richens Leisure Projects (RLP), which has set out a proposal to revive Oakwood and boost employment with an estimate of over 100 seasonal job opportunities in the Pembrokeshire area. RLP said is has developed a phased capital investment plan to restore infrastructure and 're-establish Oakwood as a national leisure destination.' The organisation has contacted the current owner of the park with its proposal but no formal response has yet been received, according to Wales Online. The resident added: 'This isn't about nostalgia - it's about rebuilding pride. 'It's about giving today's kids the same memories we had, only with something stronger behind it: community ownership and a long-term plan.'
Scottish Sun
18-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
I plan to re-open abandoned UK theme park & turn our town back into a ‘booming' tourist destination
The park operated for 40 years and was the largest in Wales RIDE ON I plan to re-open abandoned UK theme park & turn our town back into a 'booming' tourist destination AN ambitious resident has set out to re-open an abandoned UK theme park. The anonymous local plans to revive Oakwood theme park in west Wales. Advertisement 5 Oakwood theme park in west Wales has shut down earlier this year Credit: WNS 5 The park suffered major financial losses and dwindling number of visitors Credit: WNS 5 Locals are trying to revive the park that was a 'rite of passage' for the residents Credit: WNS Earlier this year, the park has announced its closure after 40 years as it had suffered financial losses. Despite the parent company Aspro Parks investing over £25million to rescue the site from shutting down since 2008, the number of visitors continued to decline. The statement read: "It is with much sadness that we have to announce the immediate closure of Oakwood Theme Park and confirm the park will not open for the 2025 season. "Following a strategic review of the business, Aspro Parks, owner and operator of Oakwood Theme Park have reached this difficult decision due to the challenges presented by the current business environment. Advertisement "All possible avenues have been explored to avoid the closure, and we fully recognise the impact of the closure on the local community and the loss that will be felt as a result." But the local community isn't giving up on the theme park yet. One Welsh resident has set himself a challenging goal of bringing Oakwood back to life and created an organisation called Richens Leisure Projects (RLP) for the cause. They told Wales Online: "I grew up in west Wales. I remember every queue, every hill climb, every first drop. Advertisement "Oakwood wasn't just a theme park — it was a rite of passage for kids in this country. You didn't just go there. You remembered it." The new initiative hopes to boost employment with an estimate of more than 100 seasonal job opportunities in the Pembrokeshire area, where the park has lost some of its well-known rides. Abandoned theme park left 'frozen in time' where stranded Orca whales and bottlenose dolphins have been left to rot RLP said it has developed a phased capital reinvestment strategy to "re-establish Oakwood as a national leisure destination". They continued: "This isn't about nostalgia — it's about rebuilding pride. It's about giving today's kids the same memories we had, only with something stronger behind it: community ownership and a long-term plan. Advertisement "If the park's future is undecided, we'd welcome the chance to speak to the owners. We're not here to pressure — we're here to restore what still means something." The local effort to restore the park to its former glory has been met with enthusiasm as the project has found financial backers. According to RLP, they have prepared a planned, actionable strategy supported by sound numbers and real modelling. The proposal is still open after being presented to the existing owners. Advertisement The Sun has also reached out to Aspro Parks for a comment. It comes as plans to bulldoze and transform the iconic Camelot theme park in Lancashire have been revealed. Inspired by the legend of King Arthur, the now decaying, desolate theme park opened in Chorley, Lancs, in 1983, closing its doors in 2012. The rotting site could now be replaced with a 350-home village under new proposals. Advertisement 5 New rides were added in effort to save the park but to no avail Credit: WNS
