Plans for £300m leisure resort submitted
Anthony Lewis, local democracy reporter
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 and amongst the longest in the world at around 400m.
The £300 million 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.”
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 worldclass resort to life.”
Milestone
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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Will any money be coming from the Senedd I wonder?
Deja vu. This is the latest in a very long line of grandiose schemes that, if it ever comes to fruition, will do nothing for the valleys economy. The trick to develop interest and get governments – at all levels – swooning (and of course throw money at it) is to invent a few numbers, the greater the better. So some questions. How much of the £300 million is the developer putting up and how much from the public purse? The number of “hoped for” (n.b.) jobs, 1500 in construction and 800 permanent have been calculated on what basis? What… Read more »
A further comment. I’m having trouble finding any information on Marvel Ltd and their accounts.
Perhaps the company would care to comment?
Is there a creditable source to fund this £300 million scheme? or will there be a request for financial assistance from the LA/WAG? There is no Rhydycar west limited registered at companies house that Mr Tyebkhan claims to be the CEO. I can find two Marvel Limited’s, one is declared dormant with no filing history while the other is Isle of Man incorporated (December 2022) an overseas designate entity with no traceable beneficial owners, (Thou a trust set up in a British overseas territory will probably be end game benefactor). I’m thinking circuit of Wales here, or even a structure… Read more »
Include Orthios, Holyhead in your digging, it sounds very similar…
Due Diligence, not often seen in Cymru, that’s why we are the country of choice for white collar crime aka linked-in fraudsters…
Jesus Christ! Whats with all these tourist resorts? How’s about Business people of Wales invest in Wales’ future, as opposed to investing in people who only visit! Ask Greeks how setting up their country for tourism worked out? It’s an industry that is heavily reliant on the success of other nations.
Always view something described as ‘world class’ with suspicion. Chances are, when completed, whatever it is will be barely adequate at best.