SANDY Bay bosses are planning to spend �25 million improving their award winning caravan park.

SANDY Bay bosses are planning to spend �25 million improving their award winning caravan park.

Haven Holidays who run Devon Cliffs Holiday Park, Exmouth's largest private employer, hope to invest the money at the 5-star park over the next ten years.

Just over �2 million every year will be spent on upgrading facilities like buildings, caravans, landscaping, shops, restaurants and the golf course - the investment will likely create scores of new jobs.

While the plans are dependent on getting planning permission, Haven executives have been courting local planners and recently showed councillors around to show how important the park's 450 jobs are for the local economy.

The holiday park is one of the biggest in Europe and celebrates 10 years as Haven's flagship resort under parent company Bourne Leisure.

A spokesperson said: "We have a good few years and there is every chance that even more jobs will be created.

"We have carried out a survey of spending by guests on holiday which revealed that for every �1 holidaymakers spend on facilities and entertainment they spend a further �2 in local shops, tourist attractions, pubs, cafes, tea shops and restaurants."

Devon Cliffs came under the umbrella of Bourne Leisure when the company acquired the Rank Leisure Division in a �700 million deal in 2000.

Since then Haven have invested �30 million in transforming Devon Cliffs into one of the premier holiday parks in Europe.

Major projects have been:

* a new state-of-the-art �5 million entertainment complex with three show bars.

* �2.5 million on the first luxury spa on a British holiday park

* adventure Golf and a climbing wall

This winter, work has started on a �1.1 million redevelopment of the Sonny Jims restaurant creating additional indoor and outdoor seating and an enhanced decking area so holidaymakers can enjoy even better views.

Other work includes upgrading toilet facilities and improved landscaping.

Paul Adkins, General Manager said: "We employ around 450 people over the season and we've calculated our contribution to the local economy last year was in the region of �12 million, including �7.8 million spent by guests, �3 million in wages and �1 million spent on local contractors.

"Currently we are looking for 300 new Team Members for the coming season."

If you are interested in job opportunities at Devon Cliffs they are holding a Recruitment Day on January 29 between 2pm. and 7pm.