A popular visitor attraction in the heart of the South Wales valleys could have an exciting new future ahead, thanks to a new collaboration between CCBC, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and the private sector.
Caerphilly council’s Cabinet has agreed to work with NRW to jointly seek a private sector partner to further enhance Cwmcarn Forest Drive and Visitor Centre. The site, which is popular with mountain bikers and walkers, boasts a breathtaking scenic drive as well as a visitor centre, coffee shop, camping facilities, play areas and lodges.
The collaboration will seek to build on the proposals that were submitted by CCBC in 2022, as part of their application for the UK Governments ‘Levelling Up’ fund to enhance the attraction offer at the site.
CCBC and NRW have signed an agreement to progress ambitious plans to jointly offer the site to a commercial developer and thereby enhance the tourism attraction, while removing the costs associated with managing the site.
Cllr Jamie Pritchard, Deputy Leader of Council said, “We are committed to securing the future viability of Cwmcarn Forest Drive and this partnership agreement will allow us to explore exciting new opportunities for the facility. I want to assure the community that the site is not under threat, indeed we are looking to enhance and improve this much-loved attraction by exploring new options to attract even more people to Cwmcarn Forest Drive.”
Steve Morgan, Head of South East Operations for Natural Resources Wales said, “Cwmcarn is an important and much-loved attraction and we’re working with Caerphilly County Borough Council to explore options that will further enhance the site so it can continue to attract more visitors and be enjoyed by future generations.
“The redevelopment and improvement of the Forest Drive we’ve seen over recent years has had tremendous support and involvement from the local community. They have all been fundamental in helping to shape the drive into what we see today. We want that to continue as we work together to shape the offer of the drive for the years to come.
“We’ll be sharing more details with the community as part of the planned programme of engagement over the coming weeks.”
The next step involves the appointment of an agent, who will market the site and seek interested parties to submit options for consideration about the future of Cwmcarn Forest Drive.
