WORK has started on a major £7million scheme to transform Pendine into a ‘must-see’ visitor destination in Wales.
The Pendine Tourism Attractor Project, led by Carmarthenshire County Council, will feature a new state-of-the-art Sands of Speed museum dedicated to Pendine’s historic association with land speed, with interactive zones and exhibition space to house racing cars and land speed memorabilia; an eco activity holiday resort featuring a 42-bed hostel and dune gardens; plus facilities to host major events and sand sports.
Prosiect denu twristiad Pentywyn | The Pendine tourism attractor project from Cyngor Sir Gâr | Carms Council on Vimeo.
The developments at Pendine are part of the Welsh Government’s wider EU funded Tourism Attractor Destination programme, led by Visit Wales, which aims to create 11 must see destinations across Wales.
Carmarthenshire County Council successfully secured £3million from the European Regional Development Fund, and £1.5million Targeted Match Funding from Welsh Government towards the scheme, with the remaining £2.5million committed from the council’s capital programme.
Cllr Emlyn Dole – Pendine Attractor Project from Cyngor Sir Gâr | Carms Council on Vimeo.
On completion, in summer 2020, it is hoped it will deliver an additional economic boost to the regional economy of £3.3million a year.
The project builds on the council’s efforts over the last nine years to improve the Pendine area, including enhanced gateways, a new £800k promenade, and investment in commercial property, including the £1million Parry Thomas Centre.
Cllr Emlyn Dole, Leader of the council and Executive Board Member for Regeneration, said: “This is an exciting scheme which will put Pendine front and centre as a major holiday destination, further strengthening the economy of the area and providing much-needed jobs.
“The Sands of Speed museum in itself will be a major attraction and we’re delighted to be developing the activity hostel which help establish Pendine as a “day and stay” destination.”
Welsh Government Tourism Minister, Lord Elis Thomas, added: “Our aim through the Tourism Attractor Destination programme is to focus efforts and investment on key projects in each region so we have a real impact on Wales’ profile in this globally competitive market.
“Projects such as this in Pendine will give people compelling reasons to visit Wales and I’m delighted that work has now started on the development – this will be a major boost for Carmarthenshire and south west Wales.”
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