86% of the site will be undeveloped!
The Site
In the valleys, between Cardiff and the Brecon Beacons, lies 550 acres of history.
The area at its height was one of the largest mining operations in Wales. Since the mid-20th century, the land has remained untouched, and there are emerging plans to restore and protect the long-forgotten land and create a sustainable economic base and future legacy for the South Wales Valleys.
We came to own the land some years ago, and since then we have taken time and care to understand the nature of the site and the direction and ambitions of the local area.
The site is part of Merthyr Tydfil, a town with a significant history of a powerhouse of the world's biggest producers of iron during the Industrial Revolution of the 19th century. Today the town is reinventing its purpose as a destination of outdoor adventure with it being an idyllic location on the foothills of the Brecon Beacons, National Park, one of the UK's most spectacular landscapes.
The town is currently home to one of Europe's most visited bike parks, BikePark Wales which attracts over 300,000 thrill-seekers and mountain bikers a year from around the globe. Combined with a rural backdrop that offers some of the UK's best outdoor adventure activities. The successes have developed a vision to make the area a hub of adventure tourism.
When the idea of Rhydycar West becomes a reality, it will surely make the area one of Europe's most aspired adventure destinations.
The Land
The Rhydycar West land is rich in history, ecology and opportunity.
The land has been untouched for over 50 years. Now it's willing for a new purpose for the people of the area and beyond. Where the land was once mined for its minerals through hard labour, it's now ready to welcome a clean and vibrant leisure destination that makes the very best of its topography, location, and beauty.
Sitting on the west slope of the main valley, the site is blessed to be in a location that offers stunning views of the Brecon Beacons Mountain range and ideally sits directly off the A470 carriageway, one of the most important and accessible link roads in Wales. Then just 2 miles from the site you can access the A465 that links West Wales with the North of England.
The History
When you visit the land it tells the story of its industrial history, it carries the scars of coal mining and has held onto the engineering brilliance that was so significant to the country's economic growth.
The history of the site is vital to us, that's why it must be considered and married into the plans of the Rhydycar West scheme.
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The Ecology
The land is also ecologically rich and beautiful. Just like the history of the site, it's important that it's protected and becomes an integral part of the offering.
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