Five years have ticked by since a whopping £250 million adventure resort was promised in Wales, yet all that greets you there are trees and fields. So, what’s happening with this ambitious project for the Afan Valley?
Nestled amidst the lovely green slopes beyond Maesteg, the high hopes for the Wildfox Adventure Resort include a lavish hotel, an indoor water park, a rock-climbing centre, plus 570 holiday lodges and endless outdoor activities. It’s a vibrant bid to breathe new life into a region hit hard by the decline of its coal mining past and current economic woes.
Despite approval from Neath Port Talbot Council in 2022, locals are watching with crossed fingers. Groundwork whispers promise, but visible progress remains elusive. The Wildfox Group’s CEO assures that this “next-generation adventure and wellness destination” is still alive. While the rumours fly, Wildfox is focusing on getting it right with the design and planning before ramping up construction.
Regarded as a potentially huge boost to local employment and tourism, the project is a beacon of hope in the Afan Valley. Will it deliver? Residents remain cautious, glancing at other halted projects that promised the world but fell short.
Council leader Steve Hunt remains optimistic about the benefits on offer, with support for Wildfox continuing from local authorities. While many are doubting Thomases, we can’t help but hope for the winds of change to breathe life into the valleys.
Stay tuned as Wildfox inches forward, promising that good things come to those who wait! 🌲🏞️🚵♀️