Global real estate advisor Avison Young, in partnership with Natural Resources Wales and Caerphilly County Borough Council, is seeking expressions of interest on the future development of Cwmcarn Forest Drive and the opportunity to establish it as a prime leisure destination in Wales.
Situated in a key strategic location within the Valleys Regional Park Network, Cwmcarn Forest Drive opened to the public as a visitor destination in 1972, having previously served as a coal colliery, and has undergone a significant period of redevelopment, including the creation of a lake and cross-country bike trails.
Since 2004, continued investment has revitalised the site, with a new visitor centre opening in 2006, including a café, retail space and offices. An additional £2m of investment from Welsh Government subsequently enabled further development, including three luxury lodges, landscaping of the lakeside and new footpath links.
The site, which is 10 minutes from the M4 motorway and 30 minutes from the Severn Bridge, reopened to the public in 2021, following major investment in road resurfacing and the creation of six car parks and three new natural play parks along the 7-mile drive.
With 4.7 million people within a 90-minute drive of Cwmcarn Forest, and given its proximity to the nearby cities of Cardiff, Swansea and Bristol, its arrival to market presents a unique opportunity for the occupation, operation, development and growth of its leisure and visitor services.
Latest estimates indicate that tourism in Caerphilly County Borough is thriving, with over 870,000 day and night visits per year, which is generating more than £134 million of GVA. In 2023, Cwmcarn Forest welcomed 226,000 visitors, with peaks on weekends and during school holidays.
The Cwmcarn Masterplan aims to establish Cwmcarn Forest as a top national destination, with the plan including the construction of the UK’s longest alpine coaster, a scenic aerial walkway, zip wires, and a bungee jump, with the potential to be the tallest and longest in the UK.
Interested parties are invited to submit an Expression of Interest in advance of a formal Invitation to Tender for the occupation, operation, development and growth of leisure facilities at Cwmcarn Forest.
Leo Llewellyn, Associate, Leisure at Avison Young UK, said:
“Cwmcarn Forest Drive is a landmark site, with a history dating back centuries, and it’s one that is brimming with potential. It presents an exceptional opportunity for a development partner to shape the future of an iconic Welsh visitor attraction.
“We’re seeking a visionary partner to help elevate Cwmcarn Forest into a top-tier destination for recreation and tourism, with ample potential for growth across a variety of facilities. This is a rare chance to play a crucial role in shaping a truly sustainable and dynamic development.”
Cllr Jamie Pritchard, Deputy Leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council, added:
“This site offers a unique opportunity to create a landmark visitor destination for South Wales that will also attract people from across the UK. With tourism in the region already generating over £134 million annually, this site is perfectly positioned for growth.
“We want to continue to transform Cwmcarn into a premier recreational hub, enhancing its appeal while driving further economic benefits for the area. We very much look forward to working with partners to build a destination that offers a first-class visitor experience and boosts national tourism.”
Steve Morgan, Head of Southeast Wales Operations at Natural Resources Wales, also added:
“Cwmcarn is an important and much-loved attraction, and we’re excited to be working with our partners 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 Forest Drive that we’ve seen over recent years has had tremendous support and involvement from the local community. We want that to continue as we work together with our partners to uncover new opportunities for the site for the years to come.”
