From Industry to Imagination: Why Merthyr Needs a Theme Park

A bold new chapter in Merthyr’s journey – and a vision to make the Valleys thrive again

Merthyr Tydfil was once a titan of industry. Our factories, foundries, and workshops put us on the map. We were a town of makers, engineers, and workers with world-class skills. And while time has moved on, the legacy – and loss – is still deeply felt.

I remember it myself. I trained as an HGV mechanic at Triumph, a company that gave so much to Merthyr before it too disappeared like so many others – Hoover, Bluebird Toys, Kayser Bondor, Triang, Thorn, and more. These weren’t just jobs. They were foundations. And when they left, a part of our community identity went with them.

But here’s the thing: Merthyr’s story doesn’t end with closure.

A New Identity: Merthyr as a Leisure City

We’ve had our era of coal, of steel, of manufacturing. Maybe the next chapter is one of leisure, tourism, and entertainment.

With proposals like Rhydycar West, and natural draws like BikePark Wales, Zip World Tower, Cyfarthfa Park, and our stunning Valleys scenery, Merthyr is perfectly placed to become Wales’s leisure capital. And to help take it to that next level, I believe we need something that captures the imagination of families across the UK:

A theme park.

Not Alton Towers or Disneyland – but something smartly designed, sized for Merthyr, and packed with fun, immersive experiences.

The Perfect Place: The Willows, Abercanaid

Where would it go? One location stands out to me: The Willows industrial site at Abercanaid.

It’s had its time. Triumph is long gone, and sadly, it’s unlikely to return to large-scale manufacturing. So why not take that land and repurpose it for the future? Move the current businesses to new, modern premises fairly, with respect and compensation, and build something for the people – and for the future economy.

Imagine:

  • Rides for kids and adults

  • Indoor attractions for Welsh weather

  • Dining and entertainment areas

  • Welsh-themed zones to celebrate our culture and history

  • Family-friendly prices and local job creation

It could even have a working heritage ride, echoing Merthyr’s industrial past – but through joy, not hardship.

How Would You Get There?

This is where my earlier blog post comes in. 

With the narrow gauge rail link between Rhydycar West and Hirwaun already proposed, I’d add another layer to make this theme park even more connected and exciting:

A cable car system between the theme park and the narrow gauge railway.

Yes, a cable car! Not only would this be a unique attraction in its own right – think of the views across the Valleys – but it would also connect the key sites in a way that’s fun, efficient, and accessible.

Add in road links, footpaths, local buses, and nearby rail stations, and you’ve got a fully integrated tourism and leisure experience – all rooted in the heart of Merthyr.

Vision Matters

There are companies out there right now who can do this. The technology exists. The land is available. What we need now is ambition, backing, and belief.

This is not about forgetting Merthyr’s past. It’s about honouring it by building something bold in its place. The theme park isn’t just about rides. It’s about reimagining what Merthyr stands for in the 21st century: fun, families, adventure, innovation, and pride.

More to Come…

This is just one of many ideas I’ve got for Merthyr – and believe me, I’m just getting started. I care about this town deeply, and I truly believe we can create something world-class and uniquely Welsh, while making our people proud again.

Let’s stop waiting for opportunities and start creating them.

Let’s not just rebuild Merthyr…
Let’s reimagine it.



Red Line position of Cable Car





Location: Merthyr Tydfil CF48, UK

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