A former industrial town in Wales is set to receive a massive boost to its local economy from the development of a £300 million “world class leisure resort”.
From Iron Capital to Iron Man?
Merthyr Tydfil, just north of Welsh capital, Cardiff, was known as the ‘Iron Capital of the World’ in the early 19th century, thanks to its huge iron output. More recently it has developed a tourism offer around this industrial heritage as well as benefitting from the arrival of adventure tourism in the shape of the world’s fastest seated zipline and the UK’s largest mountain bike park, as well as Wales’ largest indoor climbing wall.
Now new plans have been revealed for a leisure resort that will tap into the area’s reputation for hi-octane activities. Referred to as Rhydycar West, the project is being undertaken by real estate owner and operator Marvel Limited, incorporated in the Isle of Man.
The UK’s longest and largest ski facility
With a mission to “provide a unique and unparalleled experience for visitors of all ages, making Rhydycar West a must-visit ‘all year round’ destination for both local and international tourists,” the resort is being designed to include the UK’s longest multiple piste ski facility, which will be among the largest in the world. The facilities will conform to International Ski Federation Standards and will even be home to Welsh and UK national sports teams, whose representatives have campaigned for a development of this type for a decade.
In addition, there will be a tropical water park, an indoor and outdoor adventure centre for all-weather use, woodland accommodation and – for those who prefer – a hotel with family and luxury spa facilities, sport wings and conference accommodation.
“Extremely robust” plans
Generating 1,500 jobs during construction and approximately 800 for day-to-day operations, the leisure facility is expected to add £38.1 million to the local economy. However, it is currently stuck in the planning stage.
Nonetheless, the developers say they have received encouraging responses from statutory consultations and are confident it “accords well with the Local Development Plan, Future Wales: The National Plan 2040 and Planning Policy Wales.” They continue to work on the project and provide the documentation required, they say, describing their planning application as “extremely robust.”
Acknowledging the “considerable anticipation and excitement surrounding the Rhydycar West project”, a Marvel Limited spokespersons said the firm is “very much looking forward to concluding the planning process as soon as possible.”
