What is Wildfox Resort Afan Valley ?
Wildfox Resorts Afan Valley will be a landmark attraction for adventurers, thrill seekers, and those looking to unwind. By encompassing all that the local environment has to offer, Afan Valley will be a prime destination for adventurers and spa-seekers alike. Afan Valley is made up of specially designed zones to bring out the adventurer in all of us, with a mixture of adrenaline-fuelled activities, and mindful escapes, there will be plenty of activities for all to enjoy, no matter the time of year, or the weather.
Guests can choose from a range of high-quality lodges or stay within the bespoke 100-bedroom hotel and our Wildfox apartments, all set within the stunning Welsh valley with easy access to the motorway and rail networks.
What key companies are behind the Wildfox Resort?
Salamanca Group is a privately-owned Merchant Banking business with a background of co-investing in real estate projects globally. The Group has transacted over $1billion of real estate assets since its inception in 2002. The Group purchases land, develops sites and buys businesses across commercial, residential and retail sectors, around the world. The Group has an ‘owner, operator and maintainer’ structure to ensure value add to all investment projects.
Pure Advisory Group is a multi-skillset financial services business headquartered in Cardiff. Pure’s core business model is to focus on UK Real Estate and has extensive experience in the financing and delivery of a wide variety of projects across multiple sectors.
What attracted Salamanca Group to this project?
Salamanca Group saw the potential within the Afan Valley to create genuine social value in the local community. Their extensive experience in property and regeneration, and commitment to ESG issues, made them an ideal partner for the development of the Afan Valley.
What is their track record of delivery?
Salamanca Group has delivered projects across the globe, including;
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Bulgaria Mall - One of the largest mixed-use property projects in Bulgaria, 50,000 sq. m of retail and office space that was let to a number of international tenants including Debenhams, Guess and H&M.
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One Ocean Port Vell - Salamanca Group delivered a 5-year transformation programme to create one of the largest superyacht destinations in the Mediterranean.
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Gravity Smart Campus - Owner of a 616 acre site in the South West of England in Somerset, creating the UK’s first smart campus, comprising 1.1million square metres of commercial floorspace and up to 750 homes, to attract international business and enable 7,500 jobs.
Who are the key people behind the project?
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Lord David Triesman
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Martin Bellamy
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Benjamin Lloyd
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Claire Pearce
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Peter Moore OBE
Read our Team page for more information.
When will it be open?
The Afan Valley resort has the potential to be the largest regeneration project ever undertaken in Wales. We aim to open the resort in 2027.
Is there any relationship with the former Northern Powerhouse organisation?
No. This is a new company, delivering the project with a new finance, leadership, and operational team, with the experience, track record, and commitment to regenerate the site and achieve positive outcomes on the ground. We have in some instances retained certain specialists that we believe add value and ensure the continuity of the project. These specialists are not connected to the former owners of the Northern Powerhouse Group.
How will the environmental issues be considered?
Outline planning permission sensitively considers the environment and how the site can be regenerated and enhanced sustainably. As we work through detailed design we are looking for opportunities to strengthen and improve the local environment at all times.
What benefits are there for the local community?
Ensuring the local region benefits from each of our resorts is central to our goals. We have established a Business and Skills Charter to maximise benefits to local communities and businesses. This charter aims to give residents the opportunity to secure employment and training at the resort, plus through the wider supply chain.
Where can local businesses register their interest?
We have created a dedicated form for local businesses to register their interest in Wildfox Resorts. Click here to access the Wildfox 'Local Business' form.
How can I subscribe to receive email updates from Wildfox Resorts?
Click here to subscribe to the Wildfox Resorts newsletter.
How is planning going to be progressed?
Our Director of Sustainability and Economic Development, highly skilled in delivering major projects, will work with the local Council and stakeholders to discharge all reserved matters pursuant to the recent planning approval. The team has been reviewed existing information and will recruit new team members to ensure continuity and enable efficient mobilisation.
Is there finance available to implement the project and where is it from?
Full funding to deliver the next phase of the resort has been secured from Octopus Real Estate. This will enable us to immediately progress with reserved matters. Octopus Real Estate has ambitions to establish a new holiday destination that promotes Welsh tourism, whilst creating genuine social value by offering employment benefits, opportunities for local businesses, and training to local communities.
Will there be a Welsh version of the website?
Yes! We are currently in the process of translating our full website with help from a local businesswoman. In the meantime, we will continue to provide any comms updates in both English and Welsh.
Where can I view key documents relating to Wildfox Resorts?
Wildfox Resorts has a dedicated page to house all key project documentation. Documents are available to view and download.
Click here to visit our Documents page.
Where can I leave feedback on my website experience?
Wildfox Resorts is committed to providing its website visitors with a positive experience, Click here to leave us anonymised feedback on how to improve our web offering.
Couldn’t find the answer to your question?
Get in touch with the team.