South Wales is snow joke

As if we needed another reason to plan a staycation, new images have offered up a sneak peek of astonishing plans for a new £300million holiday resort in South Wales.

The Rhydycar West development in Merthyr Tydfil boasts features that include a ski slope and tropical water park, offering a transformation that will turn the area into a tourist hub.

The venue proposes to have the UK’s largest and longest indoor snow centre, an adventure centre providing both indoor and outdoor fun, charming woodland lodges, and an opulent hotel with specialised sport, family and spa wings as well as conference facilities.

The ambitious scheme is set to create around 1,500 jobs in the build phase and around 800 steady roles once operational.

For now, new CGI images show the potential design of the resort – and landowners Marvel Ltd are hoping Rhydycar West will inject £38.1 million into the local economy annually.

Backers state their aim is to “provide a unique and unparalleled experience for visitors of all ages, making Rhydycar West a must-visit ‘all year round’ destination for both local and international tourists.”

Plans were submitted to the council in March 2023. Developers have been grappling with delays but a spokesman said: “Further work is in progress and nearing completion.”

The spokesman added: “Our team is aware of the considerable anticipation and excitement surrounding the Rhydycar West project, a sentiment we wholeheartedly share. We are also very much looking forward to concluding the planning process as soon as possible.”