Zip wire ‘will open in 2021’
ZIP World has committed to bring the zip wire to the Cynon Valley next year despite the coronavirus pandemic delaying work. The firm pledged to complete the park on the former Tower Colliery site.
ZIP World has committed to bring the zip wire to the Cynon Valley next year despite the coronavirus pandemic delaying work.
The company has reaffirmed its commitment to completing the park on the former Tower Colliery site on the Rhigos mountain in Rhondda Cynon Taf despite the challenges posed by Covid-19 meaning it won’t be built this year.
Plans for The Tower site near the villages of Hirwaun and Rhigos were approved by the council’s planning committee last year and construction work, which includes building three zip-wire courses, parking facilities and a reception area, was due to start soon.
But due to serious challenges presented by the coronavirus outbreak, the company has now been forced to delay the work, which means the park is set to open next spring.
Sean Taylor, co-founder and director of Zip World, said: “Despite the coronavirus pandemic impacting on our plans to launch Zip World this year, we remain absolutely committed to delivering the exciting adventure attraction in Rhondda Cynon Taf and look forward to construction starting to allow opening in spring 2021.
“The new site will be the fourth Zip World site and the unique location on the former Tower Colliery mine will no doubt make for a truly fantastic experience and we are very much looking forward to launching our South Wales visitor attraction.”
Councillor Andrew Morgan, leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, said: “I am pleased that Sean and the rest of the Zip
World team remain committed to bringing Zip World Tower to Rhondda Cynon Taf.
“The coronavirus emergency has had a tremendous effect on all of our lives and has unfortunately impacted on the economy as well, resulting in delays for some projects that are in the process of being delivered. Nevertheless, I look forward to continuing to work with Zip World to deliver this hugely exciting project, which I am sure will provide a significant boost to the growing tourism offer that Rhondda Cynon Taf provides.”
Over the past five years the company has contributed £251m to the North Wales economy, according a 2018 report from North Wales Tourism, and created 450 permanent jobs, with 93% of the staff living locally.
It is estimated the proposed Rhigos development will provide employment for eight full-time staff and 50 part-time staff.