Leisure Ville has been a magnet for holidaying families for six decades

For six decades it has been a magnet for holidaying families. But the owners of this coastal holiday centre say the market has changed and its time to move on.

A TASMANIAN coastal holiday institution is closing after 60 years in the same family.

Leisure Ville Holiday Centre has been a favourite seaside destination for families since it was established in the 1960s in response to the new tourist market opened up by the regular sailing of the Princess of Tasmania from Melbourne to Tasmania and return.

The Princess of Tasmania passenger ship had its maiden voyage in 1958 and was the predecessor of others which followed including the two Spirit of Tasmania vessels.

Leisure Ville Holiday Centre on the old Bass Highway at Wynyard will close in December.

The park’s 12 relocatable cabins are up for sale and removal from the site along with amenity buildings

The apartment units are currently under offer.

Leisure Ville Holiday Centre was established in the early 1960s by the late Bruce Walker - the namesake of nearby Bruce’s Cafe which is not being sold.

Leah and Rod Walker from Leisure Ville Holiday Centre at Wynyard

Rod Walker took over the business from his father in 1976 before his daughter Leah took over in 2010.

The holiday centre was the kind of place where families would return year after year.

It is across from the beach and also has an indoor swimming pool and playgrounds.

Mr Walker said while the business continued to be successful, recent events such as the Covid-19 pandemic and the rise in popularity of other accommodation options meant it was time for the family to reassess its priorities.

“We have been fortunate to watch so many families build beautiful holiday memories here and now it’s time for us to make memories with our own children,” Leah Walker said.

”We’d like to thank all the support we have had over the years from members of the community, our dedicated staff and all our loyal customers.”

While not firm on the plans for the site post closure, Rod said redevelopment of the land was likely as discussions were finalised.

“We are very proud of the legacy of Leisure Ville but it is time for a new direction. Leisure Ville made a mark on Wynyard but the market has changed and we need to move with the times,” Mr Walker said.