Major plans for a £300m ‘world-class leisure resort’ in Merthyr Tydfil including what would be the UK’s largest indoor ski slope have officially been submitted. An application has been submitted to the council for the Rhydycar West project which will include the UK’s largest and longest indoor snow centre in the UK.
The scheme also features an indoor tropical water park and an indoor and outdoor adventure centre with accommodation including woodland lodges and a resort hotel with sport, family and luxury spa wings as well as conferencing facilities. The hope is that the project will create around 1,500 jobs in the construction phase, and around 800 jobs once up and running.
Marvel Ltd owns the land and the plan is that the Rhydycar West project will contribute around £38.1m in a year to the economy. Those behind the scheme said the aim is 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.”
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In consultation with Cadw, the project also plans to create a heritage trail within the development boundary that would allow controlled access to the historical monuments on the site – all of which are associated with the wider industrial history of Merthyr Tydfil. Ali Tyebkhan, CEO, of Rhydycar West, stated: “We are proud to confirm the submission of the planning application for Rhydycar West.
"After years of conceptual and technical planning and extensive public consultations, the team is excited to take the next step towards bringing this world class resort to life.”
Andy Coleman, CFO (chief finance officer), added: “This is an important milestone for the project, and we believe this will be a huge opportunity for Wales and the Valleys. We have been encouraged by the positive response from the community of Merthyr Tydfil who have demonstrated overwhelming support for our proposals."
The project is also supported by GB Snowsport and Snowsport Cymru Wales to establish the UK National Centre of Snowsport Excellence and will be the official home and training headquarters for the Welsh and GB national, Olympic and Paralympic snow sports teams and elite athletes.
The indoor snow centre would conform to international standards and attract international competitions and events and Snowsports Cymru Wales, the national governing body, has campaigned for such a facility of this standard for a decade, those behind the project said. The planning application will now be considered by Merthyr Tydfil Council and the public will have more chances to provide their feedback on the proposal.
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