AfanValley to become home of adventure
Amassive adventure park is being planned for one of Wales’ most picturesque valleys. The Afan Valley Adventure Resort in Neath Port Talbot would feature a range of activities set over 450 acres.
The park idea follows private investment by Northern Powerhouse Developments into the Afan Valley.
Architecture practice Powell Dobson has been appointed to work on the project by Northern Powerhouse Developments and preliminary work on the resort will begin immediately.
Ann-Marie Smale, managing director of Powell Dobson, said: “We are looking forward to working with Northern Powerhouse Developments to bring this stunning holiday experience to life.
“It is going to be terrific to have this resort in Wales. We believe that the dramatic setting of the Afan Valley will give us a tremendous opportunity to create a truly unique place.”
Gavin Woodhouse, chairman of Northern Powerhouse Developments, added: “Ann-Marie and her team bring a wealth of experience to the project and we are thrilled to have them on board.
“Their knowledge and expertise will prove invaluable, and having a team who know this part of the country so well will be vital to the resort’s long-term success. Having delivered some major developments within Wales and across the UK, we are very pleased to welcome Powell Dobson to the project.”
Neath Port Talbot council leader Ali Thomas confirmed the local authority was currently in talks over the future of the Afan Valley.
“Afan Forest Park is one of the key destinations for outdoor enthusiasts and attracts people to Neath Port Talbot from all over the world,” he said.
“As well as being a very popular destination for walking, cycling and orienteering, it is now one of the top mountain-biking destinations in Europe.
“Following multi-million-pound investment in mountain-bike trails, cycle paths and other facilities, Afan Forest Park continues to attract thousands of visitors each year.
“More than 90,000 mountain bikers visited the Afan Valley last year.
“It is exciting to see private sector interest in investing in the Afan Valley and we are in early stages of discussions with Northern Powerhouse Developments in respect of further private sector investment.
“This development would further support the investment already delivered by both the public and private sectors in the Afan Valley so far and widen the appeal of the area to other visitor growth markets.”