A NEW name, new jobs and a major new development looks set to herald a new era in Lowestoft.Plans for the multi-million pound investment of the Pontin's Pakefield Holiday Centre were unveiled this week - with the prospect of around 350 jobs being created.

A NEW name, new jobs and a major new development looks set to herald a new era in Lowestoft.

Plans for the multi-million pound investment of the Pontin's Pakefield Holiday Centre were unveiled this week - with the prospect of around 350 jobs being created.

The chief executive of Ocean Parcs, owner of Pontin's Ltd, Ian Smith, revealed the company's intentions this week to invest more than �100m into five of their parks, including the one at Pakefield.

With the developments across the country scheduled to take between three and five years, subject to various planning application approvals being submitted, a newly created Lowestoft (Pakefield) Holiday Park is at the heart of their plans.

'Extensive design work and consultation has taken place over the last 12 months and a planning application will be submitted in the very near future,' a spokesman told The Journal.

With the current site at London Road to be renamed Pontin's of Lowestoft, The Journal has learned that the existing 40-acre site will extend to over 100 acres - subject to planning approval - as the park doubles in capacity.

'If the scheme gets the go-ahead, the next generation of guest accommodation both catered and self catering, will be developed over the next three years and will see the park grow to a capacity of 3,000 guests and an additional 150 park jobs as well as 200 construction jobs,' the spokesman said.

Plans are set to include:

Doubling the size and capacity of the park to create a natural, open seaside feel over 100 acres and with an emphasis on the sustainable environment;

An Ocean Spa complex;

A leisure golf course;

A village centre entertainment venue;

An extended leisure pool facility;

Extended and refurbished nightclub and theatre/ballroom;

Extended sports facilities, both indoor and outdoor; and

Extended bar, restaurant and caf� facilities.

Mr Smith said: 'Initial refurbishment has been taking place across the parks, we are very excited about 2010 and beyond.

Linda Thornton, chief officer for Lowestoft and Waveney Chamber of Commerce, said: 'This is a huge investment into Waveney and will create a significant number of jobs, many not seasonal, as the site will be open all year round.'