Gaynor Coley, co-founder of the Eden Project in Cornwall, is set to meet the Pontypool Taskforce later this month to discuss plans for the proposed Xanadoo attraction in Wales. The hands-on, museum-style development would include a futuristic museum, playgrounds, and food markets.
Funding hopes under new government
The taskforce, which brings together community members with an interest in the town's future, requested the meeting to explore whether a renewed focus on devolution and economic growth under the new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, could boost the project's prospects.
Ms Coley said: "The meeting is at the invitation of the Pontypool Taskforce. They want to talk to us about what options there are particularly with a change in leadership of the UK Government and any chances of putting together an investment proposal that could get government support."
Comparisons with other Eden projects
The businesswoman noted that the Eden Project has recently secured approval for an Eden North development in Morecambe, which she said has the support of the Northern Powerhouse, while the Scottish Government is supporting an Eden Project in Dundee.
"This project will attract more visitors than either of those," said Ms Coley of Xanadoo, which is estimated to draw 700,000 visitors in its first year. The attraction would feature exhibits ranging from loaned treasures currently held in storage by museums and galleries, to groundbreaking new inventions and innovations, as well as a dedicated "problem-solving" play area.
Potential locations and economic impact
It was confirmed earlier this year that Ms Coley and her partner Susan Hill's company, Road to Happiness, is examining potential locations in Torfaen, Blaenau Gwent and Swansea for the attraction which, it is estimated, could draw 600,000 visitors annually, generate £15m in yearly revenue and create 250 full-time jobs.
The company had previously considered the grade II star-listed former British Nylon Spinners Factory at Mamhilad Park, on the edge of Pontypool, as a prospective location. A plan to establish a new village at the site has stalled amid disputes that resulted in previously approved planning permission being quashed, but Ms Coley stated that while her firm would still like to explore Mamhilad Park as a possibility, it respects the stance of the site's owners, Johnsey Estates.
Nevertheless, Ms Coley expressed her belief that a masterplan incorporating the listed former factory building as a base for Xanadoo, while simultaneously developing housing and a new school, could be achievable. "That could still be a potential site if we could get to a position that could get government to go ahead with a mixed scheme at that site."
Tourism and career benefits
Ms Coley, who is originally from Cwmbran, said Xanadoo could complement Pontypool's "brilliant" tourism potential. She said: "With Pontypool Park and Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal people who would just come for a day trip will come for a longer period. That's what happened in Cornwall, people who came for two or three days breaks now stay for five of seven days."
Beyond enhancing tourism, Ms Coley noted that a major visitor attraction could help young people build careers in various related industries including social media and events. Ms Coley is scheduled to meet with the Pontypool Taskforce on August 24.
