Plans for the £300m Rhydycar West indoor snow centre in Merthyr Tydfil have taken another step forward in its long history, with the Welsh Government confirming the final planning decision will rest with the local council.
Plans for the UK’s largest indoor snow centre, anchoring a huge leisure resort at Rhydycar West, were first announced in the early 2010s, with formal proposals beginning to take shape around 2012–2013. The development includes a 400‑metre ski slope meeting international competition standards, a tropical waterpark, adventure hubs, hotels, woodland lodges, and a conference centre.
The project has faced a long history of delays and scrutiny. First proposed more than a decade ago, it has been repeatedly revised to balance economic ambition with environmental concerns, including the impact on local woodland and a nearby Site of Special Scientific Interest. Earlier this year, Merthyr Tydfil Council’s planning committee backed the scheme despite official recommendations to refuse, citing the economic boost, job creation, and regeneration potential for the Valleys.
Now, Welsh Government has decided not to “call in” the application, handing responsibility back to the council for a final decision early in 2026. Developers say this marks a “transformational milestone” after years of work, promising 842 permanent jobs and £38m annual economic contribution.
Ali Tyebkhan, CEO of Rhydycar West, thanked the community for its support, while Snowsport Cymru Wales hailed the centre as a “huge step forward” for training GB athletes and expanding participation in skiing and snowboarding.
If approved, Rhydycar West will become a world‑class sport and leisure destination, positioning Merthyr Tydfil at the heart of UK snow sports.
