Skyline FAQs

What are the proposals for Skyline's leisure destination on Kilvey Hill?

Skyline's proposals include a cable car and chairlift system, Skyline's own gravity-fuelled downhill carting experience known as the luge, a sky swing, existing and new walking trails, a zipline, food and drink outlets, and picnic areas. Biking trails would be retained, new ones would be created, and additional mountain bike access would be introduced. The proposed cable car system would run to the top of Kilvey Hill from the area of the Hafod Morfa Copperworks. If it gets the go-ahead, no aspect of the scheme would pass over people's homes. If planning consent is granted and Skyline decide to proceed with their proposals, preliminary works are anticipated to begin on site towards the end of this year with completion due in 2025.

What about the local environment, biodiversity and access?

The company says there would be a strong focus on the natural environment, sustainability and biodiversity with tree planting and environmental improvements on the hill, and free and unhindered public access to the entire hill retained and improved without having to use any Skyline facilities.

When Skyline opens, would Kilvey Hill's woodland volunteers still be able to undertake their valuable activities?

Access to the hill will continue as now. Skyline will continue to liaise with the woodland volunteers and - if the volunteers would like to assist with landscaping the site - Skyline is happy to start that dialogue, should the project go ahead.

What impact will this project have on Kilvey Hill's wildlife and habitat?

The proposed scheme would have to go through a full planning process, and a planning application is anticipated to be submitted later in 2023 for consideration. This would include a focus on the natural environment and biodiversity. There'll also be a focus on ensuring impact will be as limited as possible. Skyline will undertake environmental improvements and public realm improvements on the hill. A number of pine trees may have to make way for some of the project's infrastructure. Skyline would ensure that other trees would be planted, specifically native deciduous species that would help maintain the natural green look of the hill, providing greater variety and more diverse wildlife habitats.

What studies are Skyline carrying out about the scheme's potential impact on the hill's ecology?

The company has commissioned well-respected ecological consultants EDP to carry out the survey. The survey will be carefully studied by Skyline and any proposed work on the hill will reflect the consultants' expert views. If Skyline submit a planning application, the survey report and commentary will be published as part of that process. Other studies include site investigation works, as well as arboricultural, heritage and air quality studies. The company wants to minimise the scheme's impact on greenery and to promote biodiversity.

Will people's rights of way and public access over Kilvey Hill be negatively affected - or will they continue to enjoy the uninterrupted access they have now?

Public access will be maintained. Skyline wants people to continue enjoying the hill. Yes, there'd be new infrastructure there but the site wouldn't be fenced off although, of course, some scheme facilities would be locked for security purposes during non-opening times. Kilvey Hill is enjoyed by walkers, runners, mountain bikers and local groups so Skyline would ensure the general public retains access. The project would see further improvements made to the hill in terms of access and habitat creation - so it continues to be a green space for all.

What's going on with agreeing which plots of land can be used in the development of this scheme?

Council officers are discussing these matters with other landowners in order to assemble the land required for the project. Any acquisition or commercial arrangements will be dependent on planning approval and a Skyline decision about proceeding with the project.

How will this scheme affect parking on Headland Road, St Thomas, the use of the neighbouring private road Dan y Beacon - and the use of other local roads?

The highways issues are important to the council and Skyline as we understand that residents use them for access to their homes and for parking. Any proposed change to the highways will fully take into account such considerations.

Won't this scheme lead to an increase in traffic?

A travel plan will be included as part of the planning application later this year.

Is it proposed that the zipline or other elements of the scheme will go over people's homes?

No. If the scheme gets the go-ahead, the zipline will be contained within the hill area. No aspect of the scheme would pass over people's homes.

What about the hill's mountain bike trails? What'll happen to them?

Skyline have started working with local groups on this proposed element of the facility. The trails will continue to be accessible to all without mountain bikers having to use any Skyline facilities. Skyline is looking to provide a transportation service to the top of Kilvey Hill by way of the gondola.

What's proposed in future years?

The ambition of Skyline Enterprises is to create the proposed leisure destination at the top of Kilvey Hill and, in doing so, increase visitor numbers at the Hafod Morfa Copperworks site where the base station will be located. Welsh drinks brand Penderyn is due to open a visitor centre at the Hafod-Morfa Copperworks site in the coming months as part of the on-going regeneration of the Lower Swansea Valley.

How can we be sure that Skyline are right for Swansea?

Skyline Enterprises, based in New Zealand, owns and operates two outdoor adventure parks featuring cable car rides and other attractions and restaurants in New Zealand, as well as luge parks in Canada, South Korea, Singapore and soon to be Malaysia. It's a company with a strong track record in creating and running visitor attractions and working with the local community.

Has there been any consultation so far?

The Skyline team visited Swansea in March 2023 to hold a series of consultation events in the local community as part of the planning process. Skyline has a track record of working closely with the local communities at all its sites to benefit the communities whilst delivering a fun, high-quality visitor experience. The feedback received at the consultation events will help shape final plans which are likely to be submitted for planning this summer.

Will there be more opportunities for people to have their say?

Yes. Skyline are expected to submit a planning application in the coming months. Plenty of opportunities for feedback will form part of that process.

Is the scheme a good thing for the people of Swansea? 

If the scheme gets the go-ahead, it's expected to attract significant visitor numbers while also creating up to 100 new jobs for local people and giving our city a further economic boost. Local businesses and residents would also benefit from work during the project's construction phase, and existing businesses would benefit from the extra visitors the project would attract to the area, helping further boost the on-going regeneration of the Lower Swansea Valley and River Tawe corridor.

Does the council propose financial support for the project?

No financial support has been directly provided by the council to Skyline to date although discussions with the company are at an advanced stage.

Will the Welsh Government be providing funding?

More information here

Need more information?

Skyline are working to develop a webpage that will be publicised once live, although all documentation will form part of the planning application.

Feedback on the project can also be sent to Swansea.Development@skylineluge.com