A holiday park business has purchased an iconic piece of Weymouth’s seaside history creating new jobs - and there's big plans for its future.

The Waterside Holiday Group is the new owner of the Fantasy Island fun park attraction and the nearby Sunset Bar and Restaurant at Bowleaze Cove in Weymouth.

The sites have been owned by the Simmons family for 40 years.

According to Waterside, the acquisition will help ‘breathe new life’ into both the fun park and restaurant as it will look to ‘blend the nostalgia of the fairground’ whilst also adding ‘modern updates’ to the site.

The price of the attractions was not disclosed.

They will remain open to both the public and guests of Waterside, which has a holiday park at Bowleaze Cove.

The move is anticipated to bring 'at least 15 brand new roles', according to Waterside with a Transfer of Undertakings Protection of Employment (TUPE) process implemented to the existing staff. 

Waterside has confirmed that both the fun park - which has a wide range of rides plus an indoor soft play area - and the bar and restaurant are set to stay open next year under its ownership, with the company also saying it has plans to ‘revitalise the attractions’ with 'continuous investment', whilst also planning to preserve the fair’s ‘unique charm’. 

Fantasy Island FairgroundFantasy Island Fairground (Image: Waterside Holiday Group) Further plans from the holiday park are set to include a ‘full rebranding’ of the fairground, an updated logo, a new website, and more planned ahead of the park’s grand re-opening in March next year.

For now, the company says it plans its immediate focus on the safety, compliance and improving the overall aesthetics of the site. 

Dave Bennett, CEO of Waterside Holiday Group, said: “We are incredibly excited to welcome Fantasy Island and the Sunset Bar to the Waterside family.”

Kyle Motte, Head of Finance, Dave Bennett, CEO, Justin Smith, Business Compliance Manager outside the Fantasy Island FairgroundKyle Motte, Head of Finance, Dave Bennett, CEO, Justin Smith, Business Compliance Manager outside the Fantasy Island Fairground (Image: Waterside Holiday Group) “As a family business that has been rooted in this community for over six decades, it’s a fantastic opportunity to expand our offerings while preserving the unique charm of Fantasy Island.

"We’re committed to creating memorable experiences for families, and we look forward to breathing new life into the fairground and restaurant as we prepare for a grand reopening in March 2025.”

A spokesperson added: “After nearly a year of careful investigations and thorough due diligence, Waterside Holiday Group has moved forward with its vision to integrate the Fantasy Island offering into its family-friendly portfolio.

“Securing the valuable area east of the river on Bowleaze Cove beach also promises future growth potential, building on the success of Waterside’s offerings in the Southside area near Bowleaze Cove.

“This is yet another step forward in the company’s growth strategy, which places a premium on investing in local facilities and supporting Dorset’s dynamic tourism industry.”

The fun park and bar and restaurant has been owned by the Simmons family for the past four decades, with Waterside expressing its thanks to them in the takeover.

The spokesperson said: “Waterside Holiday Group would like to extend sincere thanks to the Simmons family, who have owned and lovingly managed Fantasy Island for 40 years.

“Their dedication to this cherished local landmark has left an enduring legacy, and Waterside wishes them the very best in their future endeavours.”