A proposed 拢21.7m project to enhance the tourism experience in the Elan Valley has been boosted with its outline business case for funding being approved by the Mid Wales Growth Deal.
The Elan Valleys Lake project, which is being led by Welsh Water, would see over a five-year investment period, the redevelopment and expansion of the not-profit-water company's Elan Valley visitor centre overlooking the Caban Coch Dam, a hub for water sports and events, new tourism accommodation, including glamping pods, and the upgrading of footpaths and bike trails. The project is also committed to woodland conservation management and green energy supply through connections to the hydro mains ring.
As well as seeking backing from the 拢100m 海角视频 Government funded Mid Wales Growth Deal, Welsh Water said it would make a 鈥渟ignificant鈥 financial contribution itself as well as seeking other private sector investment. It said it couldn鈥檛 provide a figure on what amount towards the 拢21.7m project cost it is seeking to secure from the Growth Deal.
Read More: Development Bank defends loan to firm that backed Vaughan Gething's leadership campaign
Read More: Big Interview with CBI director general Rain Newton-Smith
Having secured outline planning consent, the project will now advance to the final business case assessment stage.
Martin Driscoll, Welsh Water鈥檚 director of business services and people and who is leading the Elan Valley Lakes project, said: 鈥淲e are pleased that the project has reached such an important stage as we aspire to deliver a flagship destination in Mid Wales. We believe it will be key to achieving the growth deal鈥檚 鈥榮trengthened tourism offer鈥 priority area. This project aims to enhance visitor experience, increase revenue and sustain the natural beauty and environment of the Elan Valley.
鈥淲e look forward to continuing to work with the Mid Wales Growth Deal team to make this happen.鈥
Welsh Water said the project aligns with the Growth Deal鈥檚 strategic growth priorities by delivering sustainable tourism. It said it will also minimise environmental impact through low-carbon development and the use of renewable energy sources, which will contribute to Welsh Water鈥檚 path to achieving net zero emissions. It will also see restoration and an expansion of the Celtic Rainforest in the Elan Valley, by connecting and restoring fragmented areas to enhance biodiversity.
To support the development a full business case, Welsh Water has engaged an architect to produce designs for an enlarged visitor centre. Mike Booth, Elan Valley visitor attraction manager said: 鈥淭he visitor centre will be reimagined to offer panoramic views of Caban Coch Dam from the caf茅; together with a new reception and retail space, planetarium and exhibition. It will also incorporate a training kitchen to support apprenticeships, along with upgrades to wastewater management facilities. This is a very exciting time for Elan Valley.鈥
A spokesperson for the Growing Mid Wales Board said: 鈥淲e were pleased to approve the outline business case for this project. It鈥檚 an exciting milestone to be the first project to reach this step with the Mid Wales Growth Deal so far.
鈥淭here is a lot of work to do with Welsh Water on the project, but we will do what we can to see the growth deal investment leveraged to its full potential and attract investment into the region to enhance and improve our tourism offer.
鈥淢id Wales is already on the map in terms of outdoor adventure. However, this investment could drive further improvements to the sector while keeping conservation and sustainability as key priorities.
鈥淭he creation of new facilities and assets will help draw in more varied visitors to Mid Wales, creating jobs directly. In the wider visitor economy, it will give people more reasons to visit and stay in Mid Wales, supporting a greater variety of jobs in the region鈥檚 leisure, retail and hospitality industry.鈥
