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Plans for the construction of the UK’s longest ski slope have received official approval, marking what local leaders are describing as a transformative development for Merthyr Tydfil. The town’s council planning committee unanimously supported the project, contingent upon the developers meeting 53 specified conditions. Council leader Brent Carter described the scheme—which also includes a tropical waterpark, hotel, and lodge accommodations—as a “game changer” for the area, while Reform councillor Andrew Barry called it “the opportunity the area had been waiting for.” The decision was met with applause and cheers from the public during the council meeting.
The project, located off the Rhydycar West roundabout on land previously used for coal and ironstone mining, has faced scrutiny throughout its planning stages. Concerns were voiced about its environmental impact, scale, sustainability, and effect on local views and ecology. A legal agreement will also be established to ensure that funds from the developers are allocated to minimize any adverse effects stemming from the construction and operation of the site. The proposal was initially introduced in 2017, with planning permission formally sought in 2023. After a council vote in March 2025 rejected a recommendation to refuse the application, the matter was reviewed by the planning inspectorate. In November 2025, the Welsh government decided not to take over the application, allowing the local council to proceed with its final approval.
Marvel Ltd, the firm behind the development, promises that the new ski centre will be among the largest globally, featuring a slope approximately 400 meters (1,312 feet) long—more than double the length of the UK’s current longest indoor slope at Manchester’s Snow Centre, which is 180 meters (590 feet). The complex will also become the official base for the UK and Welsh Olympic and Paralympic snow sports teams, alongside a conference centre, tropical waterpark, and accommodation facilities. The developers project the creation of 1,500 construction jobs, with 1,200 expected to be filled by locals, along with 800 ongoing positions once the centre opens.
Reactions within Merthyr Tydfil have been mixed. Some residents, such as 79-year-old Phillip Jones, welcomed the proposal as a source of much-needed employment. Recent arrivals like Marthilda Odeode expressed optimism, noting the town’s natural beauty and the opportunities the development might bring, including encouraging people to take up skiing. Conversely, some locals remain skeptical. Roy Davies questioned whether the benefits would extend beyond the site itself, drawing parallels with the nearby bike park, which he believes brought limited lasting economic impact to the town. Academic voices, including Prof Calvin Jones from Cork University Business School, emphasize the need for caution, pointing out challenges such as finding a ready workforce amid economic inactivity and the importance of clarity regarding funding sources
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