TRAGO Mills leisure park and its famous model railway will reopen in time for Easter after being taken over by specialist operators.

Bosses of the complex at Newton Abbot have announced the takeover just months after the centre was shut down with the loss of five jobs.

Just before Christmas, it was confirmed the leisure centre would have to close as it was ‘no longer financially viable in its current form’.

Now the park will be run by experienced leisure operative Play Leisure.

Leading the ‘new era' is Matthew Conridge from Exeter, managing director of Play Leisure Services.

Devon-born Matthew has a personal connection to the park that makes its reopening especially meaningful.

Having grown up visiting Trago’s Family Fun Park himself, he says the decision to step in was both professional and personal.

He said: ‘I used to come to Trago’s Fun Park as a child, and like so many local families, I have fantastic memories of days spent here.

‘I didn’t want to see it stay closed.

‘This place is part of Devon’s story. We’re incredibly proud to be bringing it back to life and ensuring a new generation can make those same memories.’

Under Matthew’s leadership, Play Leisure is committed not only to reopening the gates, but to securing a strong and sustainable future for this much-loved attraction.

Visitors can look forward to the full return of all the rides and the world famous Model Railway.

As well as reopening the attractions, a programme of ongoing improvements is already underway.

Over the coming weeks, behind-the-scenes updates and progress will be shared on TikTok, giving the community a front-row seat as the park prepares to welcome visitors again.

A spokesman for Trago Mills said: ‘The reopening represents more than just the return of a family day out.

‘It signals renewed confidence, investment, and opportunity for the local economy, supporting jobs and tourism across the region.’