The Caravan and Motorhome Club announces £1M+ investment into Steamer Quay

Steamer Quay campsite in Totnes is being redeveloped with a £1.2 million investment of improvements and will become an open all year campsite for tourers when it reopens on 1 October 2024.

The work and new ‘open all year’ policy at Steamer Quay Club Campsite will increase campsite occupancy and hopes to help bring more money into the local economy from holidaymakers, estimated at in excess of £1.3 million per year.

L-R: Paul Barnes CAMC Head of Estates, Cllr Emily Price, Mayor of Totnes, Nick Gower Site Foreman Barratt and Canniford and Wayne Brown Regional Manager CAMC

On Thursday 25 July, the Mayor of Totnes, Councillor Emily Price, visited the Club campsite where she met with Paul Barnes, the Club’s Head of Estates, to view the £1.2m project being undertaken. This includes 46 new non-awning serviced pitches and the refurbishment of the shower and toilet block, as well as new electric vehicle charging points.

The Caravan and Motorhome Club has managed Steamer Quay on the South Hams District Council site, in Steamer Quay Road, since 1970.

Paul Barnes, Head of Estates at the Club, said: “After so many years working with the council at Steamer Quay, we were pleased to win the tender for the further lease of the campsite and for securing planning for its redevelopment.

“It is important that both holidaymakers and local communities benefit from our Club campsites. By investing in Steamer Quay, which is a very popular campsite and will now be open all year round, we are happy to contribute further to the local economy.”

A report earlier this year by the UK Caravan and Camping Alliance (UKCCA) highlighted the economic value and wellbeing impact of the UK holiday parks and campsites sector and its important contribution to UK domestic tourism. The Pitching the Value 2024 report found the sector generates £12.2bn in visitor expenditure, equating to £7.2bn Gross value Added (GVA) to the UK economy, as well as supporting thousands of jobs.

L-R: Wayne Brown Regional Manager CAMC, Cllr Emily Price, Mayor of Totnes and Nick Gower Site Foreman Barratt and Canniford

Mayor of Totnes, Councillor, Emily Price, said: “We’re really looking forward to the Steamer Quay Club campsite reopening this autumn and bringing a welcome boost for Totnes at what is a challenging time for our businesses.

"Overnight visitors have a significant positive impact on our local economy and especially on the health of our night-time economy. They shop in our independent stores on the high street, visit our local attractions like the museum, and enjoy our fantastic locally-produced food and drink in our cafes, bars, and restaurants, which will benefit both our high street businesses and the local makers and many local producers who supply them.

"A thriving high street helps us to build resilience for our community and our visitors play a crucial role in that story.”

Steamer Quay Club Campsite is set in a quiet location with pastoral views only a short walk from the bustling town centre of Totnes. Tourers can visit the town to shop its independent stores and try out its choice of local pubs and restaurants. The banks of the River Dart offer a great opportunity for leisurely strolls while taking in the atmosphere of the historic port.

Lucy Ferrier, Marketing and Communications Manager for Visit Totnes added: “You could not find a more perfect site to stay and explore than Steamer Quay. With riverside walks straight from the door and our bustling high street with shops, bars, cafes, cinema, museums, market and more, just a flat 10-minute walk away, you can pitch up and then spend the week exploring the town and local area by foot, bike, boat, or bus.

"We can’t wait to welcome Caravan and Motorhome Club members and guests to Totnes once again and we’re delighted we can now extend this welcome all-year round.”