South Wales New Projects.

Commissioned by Forestry Commission Wales, in partnership with Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council and Caerphilly County Borough Council, the contract is part of a mountain bike project which will see £5million worth of investment in the region over the next three years. The contract will commence on 1 April 2011 and conclude in March 2013. In total, approximately £915,000 will be invested in new mountain bike trails in Afan Forest Park and Cwmcarn.

Mountain biking is fundamental to the tourism sector in South Wales and this investment will further enhance what the region has to offer.

Some of the new trails at Afan Forest Park will be green/blue graded, which means they will be aimed at beginner/intermediate mountain bikers. These trails will attract newcomers to the sport and encourage younger people and families to take part in the growing activity. Cwmcarn will benefit from a new downhill facility and both regions will have a new skills section.

"This substantial investment will improve what South Wales has to offer as a tourism destination and attract visitors to the area, which will boost our local economy. Easier mountain bike trails will encourage local youngsters and families to take part in the sport" stated Gordon Andrews, Head of Economic Development, Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council.

Ian MacVicar, Group Manager Operations, Caerphilly County Borough Council, was particularly enthused with these latest developments. "The aim of making South Wales a world-class mountain bike destination is particularly welcomed. Increasing visitor numbers from new and existing market segments will be a real boost to the tourism industry''.

"By improving Cwmcarn with a new skills area, new singletrack and downhill trails and improved facilities will not only put the Centre on the international mountain biking map, but will increase the overall recreational offer to locals and tourists alike".

"We are looking forward to working with Parsons Brinckerhoff and Back on Track on this contract. Over the next few years major improvements to recreation facilities will be enjoyed by visitors and local people" added Dai Jones, Forestry Commission Wales.


"Parson Brinckerhoff and Back-On-Track are delighted to be involved in this exciting opportunity to develop mountain biking in South Wales. We look forward to working with the partnership team to bring inward investment into the region through the design and construction of exciting mountain bike trails for all levels and ages" added Nick Heard, Parson Brinckerhoff.

These are the basic Plans for the Three centres.

Afan

* Create a range of new trails, particularly green/blue graded trails
* Re-develop the visitor centre
* Create a short skills loop to increase tutoring and skills development opportunities
* Development of existing trails to create new and exiting additions improving the current offering
* New loop trail from Bryn Bettws Lodge Visitor Centre, creating a new hub focus for Afan Forest Park


Cwmcarn

* Additional skills loop track
* Additional downhill facility and cross country trail
* Development of existing trails to create new additions improving the current offering
* Improve and modernise main car park area.
* Provide visitor facilities by creating a new building on the car park, timber clad to match the environment. This will provide cycle sales, hire and repair, outdoor equipment sales, small vending / take away operation, showers


Gethin

* Creation of a downhill network; purpose-built uplift facility; freeride; dirt jump and pump track; natural cross-country trails to suit a wide variety of abilities and fitness levels.
* Creation of visitor facilities including a visitor centre and opportunities for café, bike shop and other necessary visitor facilities