‘Adventure’ resort plan a step closer
ABID to create a multi-millionpound adventure resort for the Afan Valley is expected to be submitted to Neath Port Talbot Council before Christmas.
Up to 1,000 permanent jobs could be created by the project, which would involve the creation of around 500 luxury cabins, a hotel and an adventure park boasting an outdoor ski slope and aqua park with surfing and wave machines.
It might also be home to the Bear Grylls Survival Academy, the first time the adrenaline-fuelled course would run within a resort.
The project is the brainchild of Peter Moore – the man who first brought Center Parcs to the UK – and Gavin Woodhouse, chairman of Northern Powerhouse Developments.
Mr Moore said he hoped the preapplication would be submitted to the planning authority before Christmas, which would then be open for public response to the plans.
Developers would then have the opportunity to respond to any issues raised, with the aim of submitting an outline planning permission application by the end of February.
If approved, that could be granted by summer next year, paving the way for work to begin.
Mr Moore said: “This really is a major project for a rural area in south Wales.
“There will be in the region of 1,000, all-year-round, permanent, direct jobs, plus significant indirect employment, the majority of which will be relatively local. Another major benefit is the raising of awareness of this part of Wales, as this is, without doubt, a major tourism creation for Wales and the UK.
“It is a big project, so we need to get it right. We need to get out there and communicate with people in the surrounding villages. It is a long and arduous journey, but it has to be. There are no short-cuts and it is costly for us. But I am convinced it is a great site for us.”
The Afan Valley project would feature zip wires, tree-top courses, bike trails and an extreme sports centre, as well as a rejuvenation centre offering massages and spa treatment, restaurants, wine bars and indoor entertainment arenas. Accommodation would be in fully-equipped lodges or a full service hotel.
Mr Moore added: “There are all sorts of independent adventure activities in the UK, but the idea with this is to bring all those experiences to one destination.
“And like ski resorts, there would be places to relax and unwind. Instead of apres-ski, it would be apres-activity. The Afan Valley is ideal – the topography, its location, and of course it is very beautiful.”
The Welsh Government has not committed funding for the project, but has said the plans “demonstrate an ambition and innovation for developing the tourism industry in Wales”.