Center Parcs pumps £250m into fifth UK site The popularity of Center Parcs has endured throughout the economic downturn as many hard-up British families have opted for "staycations" over holidays abroad. The company enjoys high occupancy rates of 96pc. According to Center Parcs" most recent accounts, its existing four holiday villages saw sales climb 4pc in the year to April 2011 to £290.5m. Pre-tax profits surged 17pc to £28.9m. Center Parcs Woburn Forest will offer 625 lodges, a 75 bed hotel, spa and two recreation centres offering indoor sports facilities, swimming pool and restaurants. Earlier this week Center Parcs completed a £1bn refinancing secured against its existing parks, which Blackstone said will provide a "long-term, efficient and flexible capital structure for the company's next stage of growth." Joseph Baratta, head of European private equity at Blackstone, said: "Center Parcs is an excellent business loved by its guests. We are pleased to continue supporting Center Parcs by funding the equity required to build the new fifth site, which will expand the company's presence in the important London market. We have owned Center Parcs since May of 2006 and intend to stay invested in the business for many years to come.