Huge indoor ski complex takes 'key step' forward

A decision on the ski complex in the Merthyr Tydfil region will be decided in the new year

Plans for a new ski slope and leisure resort in the Welsh countryside have taken a significant step forward.

The future of the Rhydycar West resort now lies in the hands of Merthyr Tydfil Council, after the Welsh government said the final planning decision would be passed back to the local authority.

The ambitious complex is expected to house the UK's largest indoor snow centre, becoming the official headquarters for the UK (GB) and Welsh Olympic and Paralympic snow sports teams.

Rhydycar West CEO, Ali Tyebkhan, thanked the people of Merthyr Tydfil and wider area for their "belief and enthusiasm" in the project, and promised "lasting economic, social, and regeneration benefits for the region".

The council's planning committee, which first gave its backing to the resort plans in March this year, is set to make a final decision on the ski and leisure complex early in the new year.

At the meeting last spring, the committee voted unanimously against a recommendation within the planning report to refuse the application, essentially showing their support for the development.

At the time, councillors highlighted the economic benefits the development could bring to the town, and the opportunities for future generations.

An artist's impression of the Rhydycar West development - which hopes to attract visitors from across the UK, and from overseas.

At more than 400 metres long, the indoor ski centre will host one longest slopes in Europe and provide year-round access to skiing enthusiasts.

The resort will also include an indoor tropical water park - with water slides and an artificial beach, indoor and outdoor adventure centres, hotels, woodland lodges, and a conference centre.

Congratulating the Rhydycar West team behind the project, Robin Kellen, chief executive at Snowsport Cymru Wales, described the ski complex as a "huge step forward in the potential to develop competitions and training of our GB team athletes".

"This news is massive for snow sports in Wales and the wider GB community, and will result in increased opportunities for people to participate in skiing and snowboarding at a local and national level within Wales."

Mr Tyebkhan said he was "delighted" with the latest decision by the Welsh government to put the issue back into the hands of the local council, instead of ministers.

"Achieving this key step is the result of many years of hard work and commitment from our team and partners," he said.

"I would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who has worked hard alongside us to achieve this milestone", he added, expressing his "deep gratitude" to local community.

"Your belief in and enthusiasm for this project has played a vital part in getting us to this point.

"Your continued support reinforces our commitment to delivering a transformational development - with lasting economic, social, and regeneration benefits for the region."