A BUSINESS is set to invest in the development of Herefordshire bringing with it new job opportunities.

Wyldecrest Parks, based in Essex, has just expanded its portfolio with the acquisition of a new county mobile home park.

The company has stepped into Herefordshire with the purchase of Saltmarshe Castle Caravan Park, its first site in the area.

“This is a stunning park. Wyldecrest can’t believe that we’ve had the opportunity to find such a gem and are proud to add to our portfolio”, said Alfie Best, Wyldecrest Parks’ chairman .

The Wyldecrest site, which is located on 67 acres of land around 2.5 miles north of Bromyard, currently has 340 park homes but has permission for 410.

The park itself is laid across elevated and gently sloping south facing land, with many of the caravans enjoying views over the surrounding countryside.

It has been created in the grounds of Saltmarshe Castle, a former country house. Although the castle itself was demolished many years ago, parts of the outer walls and turrets still remain together with various outbuildings and stables, making this a historic and beautiful park.

With a capacity for more than 300 people, the Club Complex, which includes restaurant, lounge bar and a games room among other leisure areas, is one of the unique facilities on this park.

The site also offers the opportunity to enjoy outside activities including play area, football pitch and fishing lake.

Wyldecrest Parks is already working on the development programme to improve its facilities.

“We’re looking forward and have already allocated a £1.5 million budget for the park’s upgrade over the next two years”, said Mr Best, who also adds that the money will be spent with local contractors and the company will look to employ seven people to run the new acquisition.

“This park will be a heavenly retreat for people to both live and holiday”, he said.

The Essex-based company, valued at £200 million, is one of the biggest mobile park home operators in the UK and is set to become the largest in the country by the end of this year.

The company has added 14 parks to its portfolio just in the last year, and now boasts 44 residential and holiday mobile home parks spread across the country, and expects to spend up to £17 million on new acquisitions by the end of 2015.