Rhydycar West – A Bold Future for Merthyr and All of Wales

By a proud Merthyr boy with big hopes for his hometown.
 
Merthyr Tydfil has always been a place of strength, resilience, and community spirit. We’re a town built on coal and steel, fire and grit, and while times have changed, our passion for a better future has never faded. That’s why I, like many others, am incredibly excited about the proposed Rhydycar West project – a game - changing development that could transform not just Merthyr, but bring benefits to the whole of Wales. For too long, Merthyr has been overlooked, underfunded, and underestimated. We’ve weathered closures, job losses, and reputational knockbacks – but we’ve never lost that fierce pride. Projects like Rhydycar West give us the hope and ambition we’ve been crying out for. It’s time we had a big win. And this, in my opinion, is it. 

What Is Rhydycar West.? 

If you haven’t heard yet – and you really should have – the Rhydycar West development is a massive £300 million proposal that includes: An indoor ski slope, potentially the longest in the UK An adventure resort with high-quality lodges Leisure, retail, and hospitality spaces Job creation for locals – both in construction and long-term roles A huge boost for Welsh tourism and local economy Imagine that – Merthyr, known worldwide as a destination for snow sports and outdoor adventure. Families from across the UK, even Europe, could soon be coming here to holiday, ski, and spend money. And the best part? Locals benefit too – with new jobs, training, improved transport, and knock-on support for independent businesses across the Valleys. 

My View: Why I Back It.

Let me be clear – I’m not some politician, I’m not funded by big business, and I’ve got no personal stake in this. I’m just a proud son of Merthyr who wants better for his hometown. That’s why I’m so grateful to Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council for backing the Rhydycar West vision. It shows leadership and a real belief in our people and potential. I now await – with hope – a positive decision from the Welsh Government to help make this happen. The right support from Cardiff could tip the balance and bring this once-in-a-generation opportunity to life. I know it’s not perfect. No project is. There’ll be questions about the environment, traffic, and scale. And those are valid. But we can’t afford to keep saying “no” to ambition. We’ve done that for too long. Let’s say yes – with careful planning, community involvement, and sustainable thinking. 

Merthyr: My Home, My Heart. 

Merthyr isn’t just where I live. It’s who I am. It’s the sound of the wind at the top of Gethin. It’s fish and chips by Cyfarthfa Park. It’s the people – the real, honest, gritty people – who say hello to strangers, lend a hand, and never forget where they came from. I know Merthyr has its issues – I’m not blind to them. But I also know we’ve got so much more to offer. We’ve got untapped talent, stunning natural beauty, rich history, and a community that’s hungry for hope. Rhydycar West is a chance to spark something new, and I’m 100% behind that. Make Merthyr Great Again (And I Mean That With Love) Now, let me clear something up: I’m not here to promote or condemn President Trump – that’s not my business. But I am borrowing his phrase, because it fits perfectly with what I feel inside: Make 

Merthyr Great Again.

Not in a political way, but in a deeply emotional, personal way. I want to see Merthyr thriving. I want kids growing up here to have dreams – and jobs to match. I want tourists to say “wow, this is in Merthyr?” I want us to be proud again. And yes – I’ve got my own ideas. Things I’d love to see happen. Ideas for tourism, transport, history, and the local economy. But one thing at a time. Right now, I’m putting my heart behind Rhydycar West, and I hope others will too. 

Final Words. 

If you’re from Merthyr, or care about the future of the Valleys, I ask you this: Let’s back bold ideas. Let’s thank the Council for showing vision. Let’s call on the Welsh Government to say YES. And let’s start believing in our town again. Merthyr Tydfil has greatness in its DNA. It’s time the world saw it too. Watch this space… I’m not done yet.
https://www.rhydycarwest.com/
Location: Merthyr Tydfil CF48, UK

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