Refurbishment has begun at Bewl Water Country Park days after its new owners finalised its takeover.

Markerstudy Leisure completed its acquisition of the lease to operate the lake – Kent’s largest reservoir – near Lamberhurst on Friday and has closed its visitor centre and sailing clubhouse for a refit.

The Sevenoaks-based company aims to reopen the two buildings in April and has reduced parking charges at the attraction from £8 to £2 with immediate effect.

Plans are also in place to make the 13-mile long path around the reservoir more accessible to people through a new water taxi service.

Fish stocks will be improved along and its fleet of fishing boats will be upgraded.

The new owners also hope to re-establish the on-site fish rearing to replenish its fish stock.

The sale of the reservoir was revealed in September, when West Ham United co-chairman David Sullivan revealed he was selling his stake just weeks after his company’s rent demands forced a sailing club into administration.

Bewl Valley Sailing Club fell into liquidation blaming an “untenable” bill for £160,000 a year to run its premises.

Markerstudy Leisure chief operating officer Andrew Daniells said: “Bewl Water is a true jewel in the crown for the local community and its tourism industry, and we have ambitious plans to give it the love and attention it deserves.

“The feedback from existing users, such as the sailors, rowers and fishing fraternity, is that they all want to see it returned to its former glory, and are keen to work with us to make this happen.

“In conjunction with the local community and councils we are keen to transform the quality of the facilities and activities on offer as we deliver what will be a substantial on-going investment in the site.”

Markerstudy’s purchase of the attraction has been welcomed by many of the site’s existing users.

Graham Wise, co-leader of Bewl Midweek Sailing Group, which has 100 members and sails all year round, said: “This is great news. We are confident under Markerstudy, which has a reputation for being closely involved in the local community, that sailing at Bewl will increase in popularity.

“They have seen the potential of Bewl and have taken the decision to invest.”