Fresh hope for future of Colomendy after sudden closure

Colomendy is closing
-Credit:Reach Publishing Services Limited


Liverpool Council is to consider the long-term future of Colomendy holiday camp after its parent company went into administration.

It was confirmed earlier this month the much-loved camp in North Wales would close with immediate effect after Kingswood Colomendy Ltd, the site’s tenant, and its parent company, Inspiring Learning Ltd, both ceased trading and administrators were appointed. The city council issued a 30 year lease for the site near Mold in 2007.

Administrators appointed to the business have now confirmed the lease will be returned to Liverpool Council in a process known as disclaiming. In a statement, the local authority has said it will now consider options for the location once the process has completed.

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The location was a rite of passage for generations of Scouse kids over the years. Originally a site for evacuee children from Liverpool during World War Two, after the war the site was transferred to Liverpool Council, with a covenant which retained its use for the benefit of the city's children.

Announcing the closure of seven Kingswood centres earlier this month, the company said: "We are very sorry to let you know that we have gone into administration. Unfortunately, seven of our centres will now close, and any planned trips to these will not be fulfilled by Kingswood."

Colomendy Centre near Loggerheads, Mold in 2004
Colomendy Centre near Loggerheads, Mold in 2004 -Credit:North Wales Live

Three of Kingswood's centres have been acquired by PGL and will continue to operate but Colomendy isn't one of them. Kingswood added: "PGL has kindly offered to find impacted customers an alternative trip at one of their centres and at the price previously agreed with Kingswood.”

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There could now be fresh hope that a future could be found for the site that has welcomed children from both sides of the border for more than 70 years. In a statement, the city council said: “Kingswood Colomendy Ltd was granted a 30-year lease on the North Wales site in 2007 but administrators have informed LCC, as the freehold owner, that the lease will be handed back to the council.

“This is known as disclaiming the lease. The centre, which is at Loggerheads, near Mold, is now closed. When the lease is returned, the council will perform an options appraisal for the long-term use of the site.”