Work has started on a multi-million-pound new zip wire attraction across the roof of the Principality Stadium in the centre of Cardiff.
The Welsh Rugby Union, which last week confirmed its new chief executive in senior 海角视频 Government civil servant , is partnering with Wire & Sky on the project. The union’s partner has worked on similar adrenaline fuelled attractions at Wembley Stadium, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the Cutty Sark and Liverpool FC’s Anfield. The Principality Stadium stadium attraction is expected to be operational in March next year.
The union hasn’t disclosed at this stage the exact cost of the project on the River Taff side of its stadium or whether Wire & Sky could make a capital contribution. The WRU’s funding for the all year round attraction will come from its share of the investments made by private equity firm CVC Capital Partners for minority equity stakes in the and United Rugby Championship.
READ MORE: {}
Capital enhancing projects from the CVC monies were identified by former WRU chief executive Steve Phillips as a means of creating long-term financial returns to be reinvested into the game at all levels in Wales.
The new chair of the WRU, Richard Collier-Keywood, said: “We’re delighted to confirm work on the stadium’s new roof experience is now under way, after being given the green light by the WRU board.
“Principality Stadium is a magnificent world class venue and now fans, if they dare, will be able to experience it from a whole new perspective, as well as take in the spectacular city panorama from the roof.
“We have long been a must see destination for international rugby supporters as well as a must play venue for the world’s biggest acts.
“Now this ambitious project will help us further utilise one of the major assets in Welsh rugby to reach its full potential as a major visitor attraction for thrill seekers and those who want to see from a totally different perspective.
Most Read
“This new venture will have a hugely positive impact on Welsh rugby, with all profits going back into the game in Wales from opening. Wire & Sky are world renowned and have delivered stand out projects at other venues across the country such as The Dare Skywalk in Tottenham and UP at the O2.
“I’m confident from the plans that the experiences in store will be equally as exhilarating as Wire & Sky’s other projects and we look forward to revealing more details about attraction name in due course.”
Managing director of Wire & Sky, Andy Broad, said: “We’ve had the privilege of delivering breathtaking experiences at some of the world’s best venues and stadia and the plans for Principality Stadium are up there with the very best of them.
“We’ve been working alongside the team at the stadium in Cardiff for a number of years to come up with a unique proposition that takes advantage of the stadium’s location in the city, its views, its identity as the home of Welsh rugby and a bucket-list experience to boot
“This a highly complex, ambitious project but I’m truly excited at what’s instore.
“We are working with major Welsh construction company Pro Steel Engineering on the build and will be coming back to interested parties shortly with more details of what the adventure will entail.”
The roof attraction and the Parkgate Hotel next to stadium, which the WRU has a 75% majority equity stake in, will mutually benefit from cross-marketing activities. The WRU should also see a significant upselling for its roof attraction from the more than 50,000 people a year taking Principality Stadium tours.
Don’t miss
The Parkgate Hotel, which is cash positive, was not funded by the WRU, but with £45m of funding from L&G which is repayable over the long-term.
The attraction will include full disabled access.