When will construction start?

Since receiving planning consent in November 2022, the delivery team are working to discharge the remaining reserved matters - this is intended to be completed by 2024. Site preparation works including ground investigations, environmental enhancement and habitat management have been ongoing since 2022 and have now concluded for 2023. There will remain light activity on site to maintain its safety and complete heritage surveys. On-site works will recommence from Spring 2024, and will be continuous through to construction.

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How big is the site?

The main development site is 318 acres, with a further 86 acres dedicated to environmental enhancement and biodiversity. Additional off-site environmental enhancement is to be provided at the adjoining Dyffryn site.

When will it be open?
The Afan Valley resort has the potential to be one of the largest regeneration projects in Wales and is set to open in 2027. 

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Talk of a resort in the Afan Valley have been in circulation for years, is this a new project?
Wildfox Resorts Group is a new company; delivering the project with a new leadership and operational team. The organisation has extensive experience in regeneration and is committed to transforming the site and achieving positive outcomes for communities and businesses.

 

Due to the complexity of the site topography and historical interpretations of this project, we have appointed specialist consultants that we believe add value to the project and ensure a route to delivery.

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How will you ensure the valley is protected and retained?
Throughout the planning process, we have worked with specialists and the local council to establish processes and measures for protecting and enhancing the Afan Valley. In particular, we have agreed on extensive ecology commitments that include creating new habitats and translocating reptiles at a nearby compensation site, all overseen by an Ecological Clerk of Works.

 

As we move into implementation a key priority will be to restore the landscape and plant thousands of trees, creating a revitalised wild environment for guests and the community as well as enhancing site drainage and biodiversity. The team will be creating new paths for walking and cycling to support wellbeing and will ensure the legacy of coal mining on the site is framed around community safety;

 

​How will the local community benefit?
It is imperative to us that the local community and region can directly benefit from this project. We have several policies that guide our overarching principles including our: Environmental and Social Governance Policy; Welsh Language Strategy; Economic Contract; and our emerging Business and Skills Charters and Procurement Strategy.

 

South Wales businesses and communities are already directly involved from providing accommodation to security, site infrastructure, to driving vehicles and working on site.

 

You can find more information in our documents section.

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What work are you doing in the community?

• Partnering with local firm, 2B Enterprising, to fund educational resources to local primary schools in the Afan Valley. We support lessons and activities with pupils, supported by the Bumbles of Honeywood team to inspire young students about new opportunities.

• Working with Neath Port Talbot Group of Colleges to initiate a Wildfox Academy to create career routes for long-term employment at Resort opening across: sales, marketing, digital, guest services events and hospitality, chefs AND bar staff,  activity and adventure guides, lifeguards, landscape restoration and management, ecology and sustainability, commercial, finance, logistics, beauty and so much more.

• Collaborating with Neath Port Talbot’s Community Safety team to work with blue-light partners to ensure the continued safety of local residents.

• Attending local events with Neath Port Talbot council and partners to showcase progress and opportunities to local communities and suppliers.

• Developing collaboration agreement to develop partnerships with key stakeholders to champion Wales and the Afan Valley.

• Liaising with adjacent authorities on opportunities across Neath Port Talbot and into Bridgend.

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Where can local businesses register their interest?
We have created a dedicated form for local businesses to register their interest in Wildfox Resorts Afan Valley.

 

Click here to access the Wildfox 'Local Business' form.

 

How do I receive updates on progress?
We frequently share updates via our socials, and we have a newsletter that will bring you project updates right to your inbox!​

 

You can click here to subscribe to the Wildfox Resorts newsletter.

 

Why are the footpaths and bridleways closed?​​

As we prepare for construction, Public Rights of Way within the site boundary have been temporarily closed for the safety of users and our workforce.

Closures were completed in accordance with Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council, under Section 14(1) of Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (as amended). A full list and map of route closures can be found here.

 

Where can I apply for jobs?

Recruitment opportunities will evolve as the site progresses into construction, operations and beyond at resort opening. Direct employment through Wildfox will be promoted on our website when they become available, which will be shared on our socials and any communication updates.

Our contractors will be looking for staff at each stage and we have found word of mouth is a great way to connect the community to roles. Our consultants Keystone are collating a list of people available for work.

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In the meantime, we are always interested in hearing from you, so please share your CV with a note on what roles you would like to be considered for.   

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Couldn’t find the answer to your question?

Get in touch with the team.