The Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, Cllr Steve Hunt, has welcomed the completion of the latest phase of on-site preparation work at the multi-million pound Wildfox Resort in Port Talbot’s Upper Afan Valley.
Cllr Hunt visited the site of the transformational tourism project, which is on track to be completed by 2027, on Wednesday August 9th 2023, where he was joined by local politicians and those from surrounding areas including Bridgend and Rhondda Cynon Taf.
Speaking at the visit, Claire Pearce, Director of Sustainability and Economic Development at Wildfox Resorts, said: “After an extensive period of works over several years, we have already invested £20m into on and off site activity. Now, our on-site preparation works for 2023 have concluded and will recommence in Spring 2024. There will be continuous on-site activity from that point onwards, through to the resort opening.
“The rephasing of some of the on-site activity will ensure the resort is delivered effectively, while benefits to the community are maximised. Our mission is to turn this complex project into reality and make things happen. Over the next few months, we will be focussing our efforts on workforce development, heritage and expanding our social value initiatives.
“The Wildfox team are grateful to have received a warm welcome from the community and a brilliant response from local contractors, schools and residents who have already gained opportunities through the project and will continue to do so through construction and operations”.
Neath Port Talbot Council Leader, Cllr Hunt, said at the site: “I’m delighted to be at the site of this hugely important development and I’m also pleased to welcome politicians from neighbouring areas who will also benefit of course from Wildfox and we look forward to working together to support the developers in making this imaginative project a reality”.
As the Wildfox team looks ahead to the next phase of work, which focuses on heritage, they will be calling on residents, local history groups and anyone interested in sharing their memories of the Valleys with the team. We will share opportunities to participate in this as soon as we can.
Among those taking part in the Wildfox site visit were Leader of Bridgend Council, Cllr Huw David; Ogmore MS Huw Irranca-Davies; Aberavon MS David Rees; Cllr Mark Norris, Cabinet Member for Development and Prosperity (Rhondda Cynon Taf Council); Peter M Moore OBE, Managing Director Brightaspect Leisure; Claire Pearce, Director of Sustainability and Economic Development Wildfox Resorts; Ben Lloyd, Director of Group Strategy Wildfox Resorts; Andrew Price, Director of Development Wildfox Resorts; Mark Dacey, Principal Neath Port Talbot Group of Colleges; Gemma Charnock, Vice Principle Neath Port Talbot Group of Colleges.
Read Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council's press release here.
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About Wildfox Resorts
Set in 318 acres around Croeserw, Wildfox Resorts Afan Valley promises to create 1,000 jobs in construction and a further 1,000 jobs in operations. It will be a catalyst for the expansion of employment and tourism in Neath Port Talbot and surrounding areas, whilst prioritising the health and wellbeing of residents and the workforce.
The resort, formally granted approval by Neath Port Talbot Council in January 2022 after the signing of legal agreements, will feature 130 room hotel, including apartments and 570 lodges, offering an active and adrenaline-filled escape for those of all ages who wish to partake in a range of activities.
For those looking for a more relaxing experience or an opportunity to recharge, the resort will offer a state-of-the-art spa and an extensive wellbeing programme which will including activities, events and pop up experiences.