CENTER Parcs has identified a site in Sussex to build a new £400 million holiday park, it has been announced.

Approximately 1,500 permanent jobs could be created if the site for its sixth UK holiday village in Crawley goes ahead.

The company has secured an option agreement to acquire privately owned woodland at Oldhouse Warren off Balcombe Road, Worth, West Sussex.

The 553 acres of woodland has been identified as a suitable site due to its location to the south of London and its excellent transport links, the company said.

In line with the other Center Parcs villages, it is intended that the site at Oldhouse Warren will include lodges, a range of indoor and outdoor leisure facilities, a Subtropical Swimming Paradise, a variety of restaurants and shops and an Aqua Sana Spa.

A further 1,000 jobs would be created during construction and is expected to cost between £350m and £400m.

Center Parcs’ CEO, Martin Dalby said: “It is really exciting to have identified a potential site for another Center Parcs village in the UK. The proposal we will be submitting will create a significant number of jobs and bring major benefits to the local and national economy.

“Today’s announcement marks the first step of a long journey and there is still a huge amount of work to be done before we can submit a planning application. As a business, we take our responsibility to the local community extremely seriously and look forward to sharing our plans as they progress.”

Center Parcs will now undertake rigorous site surveys and pre-planning works to ensure the woodland meets the specific requirements of a Center Parcs village, as well as carrying out a programme of community engagement with a view to submitting a planning application to the local authority in due course.

Brad Hyler, managing partner and head of european real estate at Brookfield Asset Management, said: “Center Parcs is the destination of choice for short breaks in the UK and as owners we are excited to support its expansion with plans for the sixth UK holiday village. We look forward to continuing to work with the Center Parcs team on delivering this exciting development and the economic benefits it will bring to the local area.”