What is happening in 2024?

Our work in six local schools continues with 2B Enterprising as we inspire youngsters about the future and help build skills to help them in a workforce of the future.  We are pleased that Neath and Port Talbot College have been successful in attracting finance to support skills development in the Afan Valley for adults and older children to enable them to develop and prepare for employment opportunities in the future. At a more strategic level our priority is to attract private sector partner to work with us on the next stages of resort design and delivery and continue work with the Council to put the environmental schemes in place as these have to be in place before any significant works can commence. Our team is also investigating how we can accelerate project delivery and is exploring how we can restore and replant large parts of the site with new trees.

​

When will construction start?

Since unanimous planning consent was granted in November 2022, the delivery team have been working to discharge the remaining reserved matters. Site preparation works including ground investigations, environmental enhancement and habitat management have been ongoing since 2022 and are phased in accordance with outstanding planning obligations, in line with Neath Port Talbot Country Borough Council’s planning legislation.

​

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?

As one of the largest regeneration projects in Wales, we are continuously facing new challenges and obstacles, however we remain committed to finding solutions to enable delivery. The official opening date will of course be determined by when construction can begin, and this is subject to agreement on some planning matters and finalising the resort funding package.

​​

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.

​

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.

​

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.

​

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?​​

Public Rights of Way within the site boundary have been temporarily closed for the safety of users and our workforce. Closures are 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. We understand frustrations this causes, however this has been done in the best interest of public safety.

 

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.

​

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.   

​

Couldn’t find the answer to your question?

Get in touch with the team.