The lift Merthyr needs? Plans for a ski slope set to be submitted this summer

Anthony Lewis, local democracy reporter

Big plans for a ski slope and water park in Merthyr Tydfil are set to be submitted this summer, developers have announced.

Following five years of consultations, considerations and discussions to see Merthyr Tydfil house a major leisure resort, the planning application for the Rhydycar West development is set to be submitted in June.

An update on the project’s official website said it aims to bring the town a “game-changing” development involving a tropical indoor water park, luxury hotels and the UK’s longest indoor snow centre comparable to the largest in Europe, alongside guest lodges, an adventure centre and the ever-popular glamping experience.

Those behind the Rhydycar West project have said they will continue to openly engage with the local community encouraging them to share their ideas, provide feedback and offer them the opportunity to find out more about this significant addition to the town and the valleys region.

Marvel, the company behind the project, have invested heavily in the pre-planning, surveys and detailed studies of the land, along with its impact on the town and on its surrounding area.

Despite Covid-19 and the variety of lockdowns, significant progress has been made to ensure that 2021 brings some positive and exciting developments in the shape of the submission of the planning application, a statement from those behind the project said.

They said the final phases of the application work is now in full progress and proceeding at a pace.

Since inception, the significant work undertaken has been financed and continues to be financed solely by Marvel.

Marvel sees this as being of significant importance as a means as demonstrating its confidence in its proposals with the significant further commitment of their own funds.

‘Amazing’

A representative of Rhydycar West said: “Issues like ecology, and the highly important heritage and historic sites and features on the land have all been carefully considered.

“We hope the people of Merthyr will get involved, air their views and get behind us to bring this amazing opportunity to South Wales – to the Valleys in particular.”

Due to current pandemic restrictions, a digital approach is being planned for the public consultation which will ensure accessibility is a priority.

All members of the public are welcome to engage with the consultation team and for a greater understanding of the Rhydycar West proposals are encouraged to visit www.rhydycarwest.com where there is a two minute survey and a chance to keep up to date with progress.

Lyn Williams, a local businessman who’s responsible for managing the public consultation, said: “Coming out of the current pandemic, Rhydycar West could be the remedy to our struggling economy in Merthyr Tydfil, benefiting it massively in many different ways.

“This is a fantastic step forward for our town and we’re excited to start an engaging process with local community and statutory consultees.”