The New Zealand company behind a major tourism attraction in Swansea, which could create 100 new jobs and boost the local economy by £84m, has submitted a planning application for the proposals.
The Skyline Swansea project, proposed by New Zealand company Skyline Enterprises, will include a gondola (cable car) route, gravity-fuelled Luge ride, a zipline, sky swing, new walking and mountain bike trails, and food and drink outlets on Kilvey Hill.
The project is set to receive a £4m investment from the Welsh Government, via a £3m grant plus £1m in repayable finance. Additional funding from Swansea Council is also expected after of the £40m attraction to make the project profitable quicker.
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An economic report published this year said the Skyline Swansea development would create 478 local construction jobs during the build phase and 100 permanent jobs in its first year of opening. It would also contribute £84m to the local economy over the next 15 years.
The proposals were criticised by Zip World owner Sean Taylor who believes the attraction should have been subject to a competitive tendering process for other firms to bid. Swansea Council, which is working with New Zealand company, said the scheme was proposed by Skyline and is not in breach of any procurement rules.
Working with Asbri Planning, Aad Architects, Ramboll Engineering, Ares Landscape Architects and the Environmental Dimension Partnership to develop the proposal, Skyline’s new development would be accessed from Swansea’s recently regenerated Copper Quarter, with the gondola’s base station proposed to sit beside the new Penderyn Whiskey Distillery.
The firm said all current footpaths and access points to Kilvey Hill would remain, with free and unhindered access continuing for those who use the Hill for recreation. Planned to be built with sustainably-sourced materials, using local suppliers as much as possible, the proposal includes plans to work with local training providers as well as further and higher education facilities to provide training schemes and employment for local people.
Geoff McDonald, Skyline Enterprises’ chief executive, said: “By creating a sustainably-designed wheelchair and pram-accessible gondola, our first European Skyline destination would allow more people to enjoy the spectacular views from Kilvey Hill – we fell in love with the site as soon as we first visited back in 2017 while seeking our first European destination, and we know that locals and visitors alike will love the Skyline offering if we’re successful with our application.
“What’s more, this would be the first Luge ride to open in Europe. Our Luge ride can run in all weather conditions, suitable for all ages and thrill boundaries, and it’s wheelchair accessible. Complimenting the Luge would be other firsts for the Ƶ which include a new Zipline technology developed in New Zealand, plus a giant Sky Swing. Like the Luge, both of these attractions are accessible to all.
“The cableway system would include 8-seater cabins plus new mountain bike carriers developed in partnership with one of the world’s leading cableway manufacturer’s Poma. Our accessible design removes barriers for those who may not have access to adventure tourism activities elsewhere; accessibility is at the heart of our site designs, and we would be proud to offer this fun, exciting experience for Swansea, Wales, and its visitors.”
Skyline Enterprises said the plans also feature ecological conservation strategies to ensure net-positive impact on biodiversity at the site. Including extensive ecological studies and mitigation procedures, lighting schemes, tree planting, wildflower and grassland planting, sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), and habitat protection measures, proposals have been designed in collaboration with the Environmental Dimension Partnership (EDP) to ensure compliance with Natural Resources Wales requirements.
Mr McDonald said: “We were drawn to Wales during our global search as the nation has a growing industry of adventure tourism businesses, yet ensures sustainability is at the heart of proposed schemes across the nation — we would embrace this vision for a greener Wales, safeguarded for future generations while encouraging businesses and communities to thrive.
“We hope to see our application approved in the coming months, so we can bring a Skyline property to this wonderful city. We would make it our mission to protect wildlife at the site while improving biodiversity – by replacing diseased trees, planting pollinator-friendly heathland, and utilising the advanced technology in wildlife-friendly lighting schemes. Our work with the Environmental Dimension Partnership to date has left nothing to chance, as we’ve been diligent with meeting all required surveys and environmental planning standards – and will continue to do so as plans progress.
“Sustainability is a feature across all our sites in New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, Canada and South Korea, and Skyline sites have truly become a beloved fixture within their communities. Whether providing days out, tourism opportunities, or life-long careers, Skyline properties bring long-term benefits to the regions in which we operate.
“But overall, our business is all about putting smiles on people’s faces, and that’s what we’d hope to do by bringing this globally tried and tested leisure destination to Swansea.”
