The 575 acre former coal mining site, Rhydycar West, is to be the location of the ambitious £450 million redevelopment by Marvel Limited, who acquired the site in 2013. Marvel, the land owners and Snowsport Cymru Wales have signed an agreement to work together on the project. They intend to collaborate to produce a top-of-the-line snowsports centre that is hoped could be the new base for Team GB, and allow them to train on home ground. The proposed facility will feature an indoor ski slope 500m in length, overtaking the UK's current longest (Manchester's 180m) by quite some way. In fact it will be close to the longest in Europe.
The new development should encourage more British people to get involved with snowsports and provide an excellent opportunity for all year skiing without having to splash the cash on travel.
It's not all about snow, though. The proposal also includes plans to build an extensive leisure complex containing the UK's largest indoor water park, an indoor bike and skate park, 2 hotels, spa, conference spaces and new housing. There are also plans for several heritage and nature trails to be introduced as part of the regeneration, to engage with the area's vibrant industrial history and beautiful natural surroundings.
Some further ideas being explored for the plot include an equestrian centre, zip line, log cabin and yurt accommodation, mountain coaster and community facilities.
The new site should significantly improve tourism in the area, as well as generate hundreds of new job opportunities for the local residents.
The new snowsports centre is sure to be popular with snow enthusiasts from all over the UK, providing an excellent location to take your skis for a workout, and will hopefully serve as a venue for ski and snowboard events.
Informal discussions with the public will be held later in the year to finalize the planning application.
