Bluestone National Park Resort launches new platinum lodges

Bluestone National Park Resort is launching new platinum lodges as part of a £30m investment to expand its facilities and further support its efforts in meeting high environmental and sustainable standards that protects and enhances the local area and community. The multi-million-pound investment projects at the luxury holiday destination includes 80 new platinum lodges as well as the transformation of a disused 19th century mill into a heritage restaurant, and development of an 11-hectare solar farm. The lodges will offer new levels of comfort and luxury living with sunrooms, designated outdoor areas, picturesque surroundings, and ‘catch’ rooms to accommodate groups up to eight people. The developments are set to boost the Pembrokeshire economy, with the new lodges alone estimated to increase visitor spend in the area by £1m a year once they open on May 26th. This is in addition to the local employment opportunities and £1.5m injection that Bluestone brings to the local economy each year. Around 250 jobs have been sustained during the construction phase of the platinum lodges and a further 100 operational jobs will be created once they open to guests. These figures add to the 800 people that Bluestone currently employs. Bluestone’s director of sustainability, Marten Lewis, said: “It was key for us to channel this ethos through our latest investments, which have demonstrated our commitment to furthering our green credentials and making sure our environmental footsteps are as light as possible. “Sustainable building practices have formed a huge part of construction of these projects, such as the platinum lodges which have been built upon the principles of biophilic design to bring elements of the natural world into the modern designs. Once complete, they will be heated by air source heat pumps. Black Pool Mill restaurant is set to launch on May 19th, after a £3m investment. Designed to incorporate the mill’s original features and centuries-old architecture, chefs will create seasonal menus that are inspired by Pembrokeshire’s warm microclimate, rich soil and clear seas. They will strive to use locally sourced or foraged ingredients, to provide an authentic local dining experience. The family-run company has also invested £3m into the creation of an 11-hectare solar farm, which is part of its commitment to reduce carbon emissions and become net zero by 2040. The farm is set to generate 3.2 megawatts of electricity a year and has a lifespan of up to 40 years. Bluestone’s chief executive, William McNamara, said: “All three projects are set to bring a boost to the local community, and being able to create so many jobs from these has been at the heart of driving forward these projects. At Bluestone, we’re always aiming to give something back to the community, and we’re delighted to be able to do that while building on the future of rural Pembrokeshire."