120ft bronze dragon shaping up to welcome visitors to Wales
ASTRIKING new image has been released of a 120ft dragon planned to tower over the Welsh countryside.
The Welsh Dragon project will see an 80ft bronze dragon installed on top of a 40ft slate tower near Chirk.
The mammoth installation will then be surrounded by 11 monolith stones decorated with scenes from legendary Welsh text The Mabinogion.
It was given planning permission seven years ago, but is now “well on its way” to reaching its £3m fundraising target.
Welsh jewellery firm Clogau Gold has committed to taking a store at the landmark for at least 10 years, taking it one stop closer to reality.
Simon Wingnett, who is leading the project, said: “It’s an absolute honour to have such a well-known and respected brand such as Clogau on board and it means we’re nearly at the stage where we can put a spade in the ground and get it built.
“I hope to see the 40ft tower open next year. I don’t see why it wouldn’t be, it’s being imported from Europe and it’s basically flatpack.” Having gained planning permission seven years ago, Mr Wingnett said he’s worked hard to secure financial and local authority backing.
He’s now aiming to sell 5,000 Welsh slate plaques which buyers can personalise before the plaques are placed on the tower.
It’s hoped the Welsh Dragon Project will draw tourists to Wales and boost tourism in the country by £10m in its first year.
The art auctioneer hopes having the prestigious jewellery on board will also appeal to those wanting to tie the knot at the tourist attraction.
“Everybody has heard of Clogau,” he said.
“People will want to get married here. It’s a symbol of Welsh culture and people will want to come from all over the world and Clogau is known for its gold wedding bands. ”
Managing director of Clogau, Ben Roberts said: “Given our history and the theme of the Welsh Dragon Project, we felt we had to be involved,” said Ben.
“We are very excited about being a part of this unique venture and look forward to seeing how things progress over the coming months.
“It’s certainly shaping up to be an iconic landmark that will attract people from all over the country and overseas, so Clogau is proud to be the first business to commit.”
What is the Welsh Dragon Project?
■
It will be surrounded by 11 tall monolith stones, decorated with scenes from the legendary Welsh text The Mabinogion.
There will also be an amphitheatre for performances, a 12-acre garden and a Welsh centre of excellence containing a cafe, sandwich bar and merchandise shop and art gallery.
Mr Wingett said 10% of the profits will go to fund cancer research in Wales and the Marches region.
Where did the idea come from?
■
Seven years ago when the project was initially given the go-ahead, Mr Wignett said: “The Dragon will be a lasting monument signalling your arrival into Wales and as a unique selling point help create a flagship business-tourism and leisure hub. It will also be a conduit to strengthen Wales national and international identity based on its mythological roots, historical past and current world status.”
Mr Wignett wants to bring more tourism to the area in the hope they will continue to visit other parts of the country, something which is expected to bring in £10m each year.
Originally costed at £9m, he scaled back the venture without loosing its focus or integrity. Mr Wignett has since raised money through crowdfunding tourism loans and securing business investments.