Forestry Commission Wales are hunting for a commercial partner to manage a bike shop, hire scheme and workshop at one of Britain’s most established mountain bike trail centres. A £1.2m extension to the visitor area at ‘mountain bike Mecca’ Coed y Brenin Forest Park is expected to be finished in June 2013.
The partner who takes over the commercial end of the premises will be able to open a shop and workshop and manage a bike hire scheme for use on the miles of trails and all-weather singletrack, which include the renowned False Teeth and Cavity sections. A new skills area is also expected to be completed later this year.
The successful bidder will be expected to attract more users to the site by offering tutorials and taster sessions, say Forestry Commission Wales. Dave Liddy, visitor management advisor, said: “We’re looking for much more than someone hiring out bikes here. We want someone able to help us build on the enviable reputation of Coed y Brenin Forest Park and increase the positive influence it has on the local economy.”
Last year, the purpose-built park attracted 150,000 visitors, and when the extension is complete the 160m2 facility will have panoramic views south, towards Cadair Idris.
A site visit and briefing for potential bidders will take place on 8 March. The partner is expected to be operational on the site by 1 September 2013 and the property lease is seven years. For more details visit the Forestry Commission website.
A well-worn Coed y Brenin trail
Elsewhere in Wales, Coed y Brenin could soon have a rival. A consortium called BikePark Wales are aiming to open a similar facility about 100 miles to the south, just outside Merthyr Tydfil, in the autumn.