The parent company of outdoor activity and adventure firm which runs ten sites across the UK, including one in Kent, has entered into administration.
Kingswood, part of the Inspiring Learning Group and known for its child-friendly assault courses and zipwires, operates Grosvenor Hall in Kennington Ashford, as well as centres across the country.
Grosvenor Hall in Kennington, Ashford
While seven Kingswood sites are closing, three including Grosvenor Hall, have been acquired by PGL Beyond, which has taken ownership of the 50-acre site immediately.
In a statement today Kingswood said PGL “is committed to ensuring all trips go ahead as planned” at the newly-acquired sites.
Grosvenor Hall, which opened in March 2010 and sits between Bockhanger Lane and Eureka Leisure Park, offers abseiling, archery, laser tag and many other activities.
It also has 375 bedrooms for school trips, classrooms, a media centre and sports facilities.
Dearne Valley in Doncaster and Overstrand Hall in Norfolk have also been taken on by PGL, which, like Kingswood specialises in outdoor adventures.
Kingswood offered several outdoor activities at its site in Ashford. Picture: Kingswood
A statement shared on Kingswood’s website reads: “As of today, the Inspiring Learning Group has sought protection from its creditors by placing IL into administration.
“As a result, the Kingswood business is impacted, with seven centres closing immediately. Three centres have been acquired by PGL, which is committed to ensuring all trips go ahead as planned.
“They have also worked with our administrators to provide a package of support to groups where centres are closing, by offering alternative arrangements at PGL centres, with no financial impact to parents.
“PGL will accept bookings from impacted customers at a price previously agreed with Kingswood and will recognise any monies previously paid to the Inspiring Learning Group.”
The statement ends by thanking colleagues and customers, going on: “It has been a privilege to be a part of so many life-changing experiences for young people, and we hope that they continue to be memories they will treasure forever.”
Kingswood’s parent company has gone into administration. Picture: Kingswood
Ashford Borough Council representative, Nathan Iliffe, says he is happy the site in Ashford has not been shut.
The Tory councillor for Kennington ward said: “It’s a shame to see any business go into administration and I have sympathy for all the staff involved.
“But it’s a good thing PGL has stepped in to run the site in Ashford.
“They’re well known for running outdoor educational activity sites across the country, so hopefully we will see the site operating long-term here into the future.”
The seven Kingswood centres which have permanently shut are: Colomendy in North Wales, Dukeswood House in Northumberland, Green Park in Buckinghamshire, Ryde on the Isle of Wight, Peak Venture in South Yorkshire, West Runton in Norfolk, plus Bideford in Devon and another site in Staffordshire.
KentOnline has asked Kingswood whether Grosvenor Hall will remain open beyond 2025.