Construction specialist Stepnell has begun construction work on a £9.1 million project to build 57 single-storey timber frame lodges at Center Parcs Woburn Forest, Bedfordshire.

Stepnell is building a mix of two, three and four-bedroom lodges on a sloped forest clearing to the north of the development, west of the Village Square.

The lodges, designed by Jackson Design Associates, will be made from timber and stone cladding. This will keep in with the character of the village’s surrounding 643 lodges, which opened two years ago.

The development is expected to be completed by next Autumn, and will see Stepnell building 15 of Center Parcs’ well-known open-plan woodland lodges, and 42 of Center Parcs’ executive lodges in Woburn Forest.

Project manager for Stepnell, John Neill, commented: “We are delighted to be working with Center Parcs for the first time on this exciting and ambitious guest accommodation project which will be carried out in a ‘live environment’ with the short-break village, roads and footpaths remaining open throughout the construction.

“Over the next 48 weeks, we will be liaising closely with Center Parcs to continue to deliver an excellent experience for guests.”

Nestled in 365 acres of natural forest, Center Parcs Woburn Forest is one of five UK villages and is only an hour away from London.

Center Parcs accommodation project manager, Fiona Owen, commented: “We are delighted to be working with Stepnell to help deliver additional accommodation at Woburn Forest.

“The team has really understood our requirements for the project which will allow more families to experience Center Parcs.”

Half-year revenue and profit has climbed at holiday park operator Center Parcs, despite a dip in occupancy due to ongoing upgrades.

In the 24 weeks to 6 October 2016, turnover rose by 4 per cent to £208.3m, compared to £200.2m a year earlier. Accommodation revenue was up by 5.1 per cent while village revenue increased by 2.6 per cent.