Plans have been revealed for a £3m investment in one of Neath Port Talbot’s historic country parks, involving one of the “longest and greenest” zip wires in Europe.
The plans for Margam Country Park include two zipwires – a 1.5km one which will take 40 seconds to complete and reach speeds of 90mph, and a safari one which takes two hours to complete.
The park, which is set in 800 acres of parkland, includes the 19th century Margam Castle, 18th century Orangery and monastic ruins.
The safari zipwire will see visitors able to unhook and explore various features at certain points along the way before clipping back on and continuing their descent.
The local authority’s cabinet approved the funding at a meeting on Wednesday, November 20.
Council leader Rob Jones said: “There will be electric vehicles taking you through the forest and the deer park up to the top of the zip wire.
“We will also have a children’s zone with attractions being up to £500k in their own right.”
The council plans to put an Aquasplash in the eastern end of the park, turn the old manager’s house on site into a cafe, and link into work currently being undertaken by the Friends of Margam Park, which is refurbishing the hidden garden.
Cllr Jones said: “There will be two areas – an adrenaline zone and an adventure zone.
“We are employing a company that are world leaders in zipwires, having put them across the Grand Canyon and in Saudi Arabia.
“The zipwire helmets will have things like video cameras so you can video your experience as you fly over the park.
“Initial consent has been approved for the investment – it will be subject to regulatory approval.
“It’s a very exciting time for Margam Park.
“We commissioned the tourism unit last year and this shows further commitment by Neath Port Talbot Council to invest in tourism and generating a better experience for visitors to the park.”
The £2.8m investment is being made predominantly through borrowing.
Two years ago, Neath Port Talbot Council launched a business plan to “exploit all appropriate commercial activities and opportunities” to reduce its subsidy and make it self sufficient in the long term.
Over that time it has brought in more weddings, introduced deer safaris, invited in film companies and overhauled catering.
Last week the park won the best large attraction award in the Swansea Bay Tourism Awards with the Orangery coming second for the best wedding large venue category.
