WORK is already underway on a new £35million UK attraction which will be complete with a gondola, zipline, luge tracks and even sky swings.
New £35million attraction to come to UK
With the hopes of attracting an estimated 450,000-plus visitors per year, the new project includes a gondola lift spanning the River Tawe to Kilvey Hill.
As well as this, upon arrival at Kilvey Hill, thrill-seekers can enjoy a sky swing, zipline and luge tracks.
Visitors can also expect a hilltop restaurant, mountain biking trails, picnic spots, walking paths, a children’s play area, and an array of new green spaces.
The new venture also has the financial backing of the Welsh Government and Swansea Council, who will contribute an approximate total of £12million.
Headed by Skyline Enterprises, the tourism company previously revealed that its board had approved a budget of £35million for the project.
This will mark the company’s first European development.
Council approves land sale and pledges support
Swansea Council’s cabinet approved the land sale and pledged its financial support in a private meeting last month.
A council spokesperson confirmed: “Everything that’s needed for the scheme is now in place, apart from one area of land that we’re in continuing negotiations with Natural Resources Wales about.
“The council’s financial commitment to support the scheme remains unchanged, subject to the conclusion of financial negotiations. Our investment is expected to be repaid in full as part of an agreement with Skyline.”
New Zealand-based Skyline Enterprises has revealed that work is already underway as it plans to start relocating reptiles.
This relocation work was approved as part of the planning application.
A Skyline Enterprises spokesperson said: “The reptile relocation work is being managed by a team of qualified ecologists who review areas of work before any activity starts each day, ensuring work follows all regulations.
“A strict protocol is to be followed if an issue is found to ensure the best possible outcome.
“This work has been approved as part of the planning conditions, and no licence is required.”
Not everyone is in favour of the project
Plans for this new project were first revealed in 2017, with public consultation events taking place in 2023.
The application was approved in March this year by the council’s planning committee, however, so far, has been met with around 560 letters of objection.
Objectors have raised concerns over increased traffic , the visual impact of the project, a potential impact on private water supplies, and fears over what would happen if the scheme didn’t deliver on its expectations.
However, the committee report said the cumulative benefits of the proposal would outweigh “significant harm” arising from landscape and visual impacts.
Planning agent John Hurley explained that beyond the development attracting a substantial number of visitors, it will also create jobs, and improve access to the hill.
He also added that the development will result in a net biodiversity gain due to replacement tree planting and woodland management.
Speaking in 2023, Wales’ deputy minister for arts and sports, Dawn Bowden, said the proposed attraction was a “unique inward investment opportunity” for the Welsh Government and “significant in the further development of Swansea as a vibrant city destination.”
