Massive Investment Brings New Pool Complex at Wales’ Hafan y Môr Park 2026

Key Points

• The pool complex at Haven’s Hafan-y-Mor has reopened after a massive investment in North Wales
• Splashaway Bay Swimming Pool underwent major repairs after inspection survey found damaged purlins (horizontal roof beams)
• The roof had to be completely removed to replace the purlins, requiring full scaffolding coverage of the building
• Park management secured planning permission from Cyngor Gwynedd for the redevelopment work
• The pool closed at the end of last season with contractors undertaking the major scheme throughout winter
• A brand new wave machine was installed to enhance the pool experience alongside the roof repairs
• The complex is now back open in time for the main 2026 holiday season at the sprawling park near Pwllheli
• A spokesperson announced the wait is over with final preparations complete and new roof installed
• Park owners know many owners have been looking forward to getting back in the water
• Officials expect the pool to be busy again as the fantastic summer season kicks off

Wales (Wales Times) June 13, 2026 – The pool complex at one of Wales’ biggest holiday parks has officially reopened following a massive investment programme that saw the Splashaway Bay Swimming Pool undergo comprehensive structural repairs and modernisation. The sprawling park near Pwllheli in North Wales welcomed visitors back to the water facility just as the main 2026 holiday season begins, marking the end of months of intensive construction work that temporarily closed the hugely popular attraction.

How Did the Inspection Survey Trigger the Major Roof Repair Project?

Last year, the holiday giant undertook a detailed inspection survey of its hugely popular Splashaway Bay Swimming Pool at the site near Pwllheli, according to reports from the infrastructure-now website. The survey revealed critical structural issues that demanded immediate attention and forced park management to make the difficult decision to close the facility completely. The inspection found that the ‘purlins’ – the horizontal beams running along the length of the roof structure – needed to be replaced to ensure the safety and integrity of the building.

The severity of the purlin damage meant that the roof had to be removed entirely for the work to be carried out properly. This requirement transformed what could have been a simple repair job into a major construction project involving complete roof replacement. As reported by the infrastructure-now team covering the reopening, the scale of the structural work necessitated extensive scaffolding that covered the entire building throughout the construction period.

What Planning Permissions Were Required for the Development?

Park bosses secured formal planning permission from Cyngor Gwynedd before any work could commence on the major redevelopment scheme. The local authority’s approval was essential given the scale of the structural alterations and the complete roof removal required for the purlin replacement. The planning permission process ensured that all construction activities met Welsh building regulations and safety standards for public leisure facilities.

According to the infrastructure-now report, the securing of planning permission from Cyngor Gwynedd allowed the park management to proceed with confidence that the major scheme would comply with all regulatory requirements for public swimming pool facilities in Gwynedd. This official approval was a critical prerequisite before contractors could begin the extensive work that would keep the pool closed for the entire winter season.

When Did the Pool Close and How Long Did Construction Last?

The pool was closed at the end of the season last year, with work getting underway immediately as contractors undertook the major scheme throughout the winter months. The building was covered in scaffolding as the construction team carried out the comprehensive roof replacement and structural repairs. While this was happening, work was also done to enhance the pool itself beyond the essential structural repairs, demonstrating the park’s commitment to improving visitor experience alongside fixing the critical safety issues.

The months of work extended through the entire winter period, with the complex remaining closed while contractors removed the old roof, replaced the damaged purlins, installed the brand new roof, and completed all final preparations. The timing of the closure at the end of last season ensured minimal disruption to holidaymakers, as the facility would naturally be less busy during winter months.

What New Features Were Added Beyond the Essential Roof Repairs?

While the primary focus was on the essential structural repairs to replace the damaged purlins and install a new roof, park management also invested in enhancing the pool experience for visitors. Included in the enhancement work was the installation of a brand new wave machine, which will provide additional entertainment and enjoyment for pool users. The new wave machine represents an upgrade to the pool’s amenities beyond the mandatory structural repairs, showing Haven’s commitment to maintaining Hafan-y-Mor as a leading holiday destination.

The combination of the brand new roof installation, final preparations complete, and the brand new wave machine ready to go means visitors will experience both a structurally sound facility and improved water features. This dual approach of addressing critical safety issues while simultaneously upgrading visitor amenities demonstrates the comprehensive nature of the massive investment programme.

What Did Park Officials Say About the Reopening?

A spokesperson for Haven’s Hafan-y-Mor announced the reopening with enthusiasm, stating: “After months of work, the wait is finally over. With the brand new roof installed, final preparations complete, and a brand new wave machine ready to go, we are delighted to welcome everyone back to the pool,” according to the infrastructure-now report of the spokesperson’s statement.

The spokesperson continued with positive expectations for the summer season: “We know many owners have been looking forward to getting back in the water and we can’t wait to see the pool busy again as we kick off what promises to be a fantastic summer season.” This statement from park management acknowledges the disappointment owners experienced during the closure while expressing confidence in the facility’s future success.

Where Is Hafan-y-Mor Located and Why Is It Significant?

Hafan-y-Mor is located near Pwllheli in North Wales and represents one of Wales’ biggest holiday parks, making the pool complex reopening particularly significant for the regional tourism industry. The sprawling park serves as a leading destination for holidaymakers throughout Wales and beyond, with the Splashaway Bay Swimming Pool being described as “hugely popular” among visitors. The facility’s importance to the park’s appeal means its closure last year represented a significant loss for holidaymakers planning visits to the North Wales location.

The park’s position near Pwllheli places it in Gwynedd, where Cyngor Gwynedd has jurisdiction over planning permissions for development projects. The holiday park’s status as one of Wales’ biggest facilities underscores the importance of maintaining high-quality amenities like the Splashaway Bay Swimming Pool to compete in the competitive holiday park market.

Background: The Development Timeline and Structural Issues Behind the Reopening

The development that led to this reopening began with an inspection survey conducted last year by Haven, the holiday giant that operates Hafan-y-Mor. This survey identified critical structural problems with the Splashaway Bay Swimming Pool’s roof structure, specifically the deterioration of the purlins – the horizontal beams that run along the length of the roof and provide essential structural support. The discovery of damaged purlins necessitated a complete roof removal, transforming a potential repair into a major reconstruction project.

The project timeline followed a logical sequence: inspection survey identified problems, planning permission was secured from Cyngor Gwynedd, the pool closed at the end of last season, contractors undertook the major scheme throughout winter with scaffolding covering the building, the roof was removed and purlins replaced, a brand new roof was installed, a new wave machine was added to enhance the pool, final preparations were completed, and the facility reopened in time for the 2026 main holiday season. This comprehensive approach ensured both structural safety and improved visitor amenities.

Prediction: How This Development Will affect Haven Holiday Park Owners and Visitors

This development will significantly affect Haven holiday park owners and visitors in several important ways. Park owners who have been looking forward to getting back in the water will now have access to a structurally safe facility with improved amenities, eliminating the disappointment of the closure and providing enhanced enjoyment through the new wave machine. The reopening in time for the main holiday season means owners can utilise the full facilities during their booked holidays without the disruption experienced last year.

Visitors to Hafan-y-Mor will benefit from a safer swimming environment with the new roof ensuring structural integrity, while the brand new wave machine will provide additional entertainment value. The expectation that the pool will be busy again suggests increased social interaction and a more vibrant holiday atmosphere. The massive investment demonstrates Haven’s commitment to maintaining Hafan-y-Mor as a top-quality destination, which should increase owner confidence in the park and potentially boost future booking rates. The successful completion of this project also signals to owners that Haven invests seriously in maintaining and improving facilities, which could strengthen the brand’s reputation in the competitive holiday park market across Wales and beyond.