Rhydycar West

For the past few months we have been working with Merthyr Council to finalise the planning conditions for Rhydycar West. We are pleased to let you know that on Wednesday 8 July, the Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council Planning Committee unanimously approved the finalised planning conditions.

We are continuing to work with the Council to finalise our Section 106 agreement, which we hope will be concluded and signed soon.

We will continue to keep you updated on developments.

Following the granting of planning approval in January, the Rhydycar West project is now in the delivery stage.

The next stage of the project will include two key phases: the pre-construction phase followed by the construction phase.

The pre-construction phase, which is now underway, will involve detailed collaboration with the Council, technical specialists, and other key stakeholders to progress the extensive planning and preparation work required ahead of construction. This will include detailed interior design, technical coordination, infrastructure planning, and wider project development activities. The pre-construction phase is estimated to take around 18-24 months.

Following this, the development will proceed to the construction phase where the resort will be built. The construction period is estimated to be around three years, and the resort is currently targeting to open in late 2030.

We know there has been significant public interest since January, and we want to reassure the community that a huge amount of work has been happening and is continuing behind the scenes as we move through these next important phases of development. We are particularly excited about the opportunities this project will create for local businesses, local people, and the wider region in the years ahead. In addition, the significant jobs that will be created for locals.

We reiterate our commitment to work with local businesses, suppliers and the wider community throughout both the construction and operational phases of the development. Businesses and individuals interested in future partnerships and opportunities connected with the project are encouraged to now register their interest by contacting the team through the project website at: www.rhydycarwest.com.

Massive congratulations to GB Snowsport and Team GB Olympic gold medalists, including Charlotte Bankes, Huw Nightingale, Matt Weston and Tabitha Stoecker on their incredible achievements on the world stage.

Your success is inspiring a new generation of athletes across the UK and here in Wales.

We also want to recognise the fantastic work of Snowsport Cymru Wales, who continue to grow participation and develop talent across the nation.

OLYMPIC CHAMPIONS!!!🏆

Charlotte Bankes and Huw Nightingale make history, claiming Team GB’s first-ever Mixed Team Snowboard Cross medal at an Olympic Games! 🤩🇬🇧

This evening, outline planning permission has been granted for Rhydycar West, following approval by the planning committee at Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council and the green light from the Welsh Government in November 2025.

This marks a major milestone in delivering a world-class sport and leisure destination - set to become a flagship for Wales on both a national and international stage.

Ali Tyebkhan, CEO of Rhydycar West, said:

“This is an amazing moment. It marks the culmination of many years of hard work as well as patience. Thank you to all our team, partners, supporters and the local community – we could not have done this without your ongoing support over the years. We are very excited and looking forward to the next stages of work and delivery of the development.”

✨ Nadolig Llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda from the Rhydycar West Team! ✨

As we reach the end of 2025, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported the Rhydycar West project this year. Your encouragement, engagement and belief have helped make 2025 a truly significant milestone in our journey.

From community members and partners to our industry experts and supporters near and far - thank you for being part of the vision.

We’re excited for what 2026 will bring as we continue working towards delivering a world-class, sport and leisure resort for Wales.

Wishing you all a joyful Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year.
Here’s to an exciting 2026! 🎄❄️🌟

Great news for Rhydycar West!

We’re thrilled to share that following Merthyr Tydfil Council’s decision to back the planning application in March, Welsh Government have confirmed today that they will not be calling in the planning application and have given a green light for the project to go ahead.

This means the Local Planning Authority can now move forward and grant outline planning permission - bringing our vision another big step closer to reality.

A huge thank you to our amazing team, partners, and consultants for years of hard work to reach this milestone. And a special thank you to the community of Merthyr Tydfil and the wider region for your ongoing support and belief in the project – it has been invaluable.

We’ll continue to keep you updated as we move forward. Exciting times ahead!

Today, the Planning Regulatory and Licensing Committee voted against the reports recommendation to refuse the application and voted in support of the development. The application will now be referred to Welsh Government Ministers for further consideration.

"We are delighted that the Councillors voted to reject the recommendation to refuse and are minded to approve the application. This is another step forward for our development. The economic and social benefits will be huge, with 1500+ construction jobs, 800+ long term full time roles and approximately £300 million in direct investment generating around £38 million annually for the local economy.

Our plans have always been about creating a world-class sport and leisure resort and hub that compliments existing attractions like Bike Park Wales, Zip World and Cyfarthfa Park which will raise the profile of Merthyr and the Northern Valleys. As the UK's National Centre of Excellence for SnowSport, Rhydycar West will be the home and training HQ of the Welsh and GB National Paralympic and Olympic teams, while boosting local businesses, the town centre and cultural attractions.

Above all, we are deeply grateful for the overwhelming support we have received, thousands of messages, letters, a public petition in support with over 2800 signatures in just under a week. Thank you to the people of Merthyr, local businesses, neighbouring councils and Merthyr's MS and MP for believing in this project.

We are very excited about progressing everything in the coming days and weeks". Ali Tyebkhan CEO, Rhydycar West

We’d like to address the recent Wales Online headline: "Welsh Government set to take over decision on £300m ski slope plan”.

The Welsh Government has the right to review and potentially call in the application, and we understand they will consider whether to do so. If that happens, we remain focussed on working constructively with Welsh Government throughout the process.

In the meantime, Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council will still be reviewing the application and have the right to approve our planning application (subject to Welsh Government call in) at the planning committee meeting on 12 March.

We are extremely grateful of your support for Rhydycar West.

If you would like to share your thoughts with those making the planning decision on the 12th March their email address is:

[email protected]

Cc: [email protected]

Use the following reference in the subject:
P/23/0065