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Scottish Sun
8 hours ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Homes Under The Hammer's Martin Roberts gives shock update on hotel project, admitting ‘I have failed on every level'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WITH total honesty, Homes Under The Hammer presenter Martin Roberts admits: 'For a man who spends all his time telling people to make sure they stick to their budgets and timescales, I have failed on every single level.' Two years ago, the property expert showed The Sun around his own DIY project to turn a run-down Welsh village pub into a top tourist attraction. 8 Homes Under The Hammer presenter Martin Roberts admits his project to renovate a Welsh pub has been a failure Credit: Dan Jones Images 8 The back of the hotel shows a building in dire need of urgent renovation Credit: Huw Evans And just like he does on the hit property show, I asked: 'What is your timescale?' Back then, in spring 2023, Martin was convinced it would take just two years and around half a million pounds to rebuild the Hendrewen Hotel in the Rhondda Valley. So here we are, two years later, and on the outside, the eight-bedroom boozer looks . . . exactly the same. Martin, 61, who has witnessed more than 3,000 property renovations on his BBC daytime show, says: 'I'm still smiling but, oh my word, what a challenge it's been. 'I'll be honest, it's the first commercial property I've ever done. 'There have been lots of residential houses and flats, but commercial properties have a lot more complications. 'I'd say we are 60 per cent of the way there.' But when I ask how soon we can expect the pub to be open, Martin hedges his bets and shrugs: 'I think it's going to come together really quickly in the final few months. 'I'm hopeful for Halloween but Christmas would be good. If not, in time for Easter.' One of the many hold-ups, according to Martin, has been dealing with planners who insist he makes preparations in case the pub in the former mining village of Blaencwm is hit by a once-in-a-century flood. Homes Under the Hammer's Martin Roberts announces new series that's world's away from beloved BBC show He says: 'We've got to do it right, and we will do it right, but unfortunately that means there's lots of hoops to jump through.' It is only three years since Martin was minutes from death and needed an emergency heart op. Doctors who carried out the surgery to drain fluid from the sac surrounding his heart told him in future to choose the easy life and avoid unnecessary stress. That is advice he does not seem to have followed. He could have spent his spare time living at his Rhondda Valley farmhouse — which he bought after falling in love with the area — and enjoying the stunning scenery which is popular with mountain bikers. Instead he decided to seize life and bought the pub lock, stock and barrel — without telling his wife Kirsty. My head is going, 'What the absolute bleep have you done here?' Every single wall was cock-eyed, every single window was falling down. Add to that the small matter of bats nesting in the leaking roof. Martin Roberts In fact, father-of-two Martin thought he had kept the purchase a complete secret, but he reveals: 'My cleaner rang me up one day and said, 'Have you bought the Hendrewen?' 'It turns out her auntie was in the queue at Asda and the woman behind was saying, 'That Martin Roberts has bought the Hendrewen'. 'It's just hysterical because as far as I was concerned I hadn't told anybody, but it was being discussed in Asda.' Martin is making a ten-part documentary series called Oops! I Bought A Pub, which will be shown on ITV next year — or whenever the pub finally opens. But he has also given The Sun an exclusive peek at his architect's visualisations of how the pub will look when the work is finally done — including a wacky upside-down Rolls-Royce suspended from the ceiling in the dining area. 8 Martin has shared an artist's impressions of his ambitious plans to renovate the bar and restaurant Credit: Supplied 8 The bar and hotel aims to employ around 30 locals in one of the most deprived areas in Europe Credit: Supplied As well as a new bar and restaurant, there will be eight bedrooms, all named after hit TV shows. Martin says: 'When I was a travel journalist I probably stayed in hundreds of hotels and often they all looked the same. 'The ones I remember most are those where the rooms felt individual. "So in my hotel I wanted to create rooms that had an individual feel. 'Then I woke up in the middle of the night and suddenly thought, why don't I theme them around what I know and what I'm known for, which is television. 'Each room is themed around a legendary TV show. Obviously we're going to have a Homes Under The Hammer room with lots of memorabilia and funny stuff from the 20 years of the show. 'We're going to have a Doctor Who room, which is very science fiction-y. 'Next Stereophonics' 'A Fawlty Towers room where the light fittings are broken, the wallpaper is hanging off, beds are going to be very creaky and lots of quotes from Fawlty Towers on the walls. 'A Question Of Sport room will have lots of sports memorabilia. 'There will also be a Top Of The Pops room, an Antiques Roadshow room, a Planet Earth room and one that is a tribute to Top Gear. 'I've been collecting things from car boot sales, flea markets and online for the last two years. Now I've got lots of TV memorabilia so these rooms can be decorated in the style of different telly programmes. It's going to be great.' 8 Martin is still optimistic his grand plans will accelerate over the coming months Credit: Supplied When the Hendrewen Hotel does finally open it will employ around 30 locals in one of the most deprived areas in Europe. Teenage students on catering and hospitality management courses will get practical experience working in the pub and in the hotel. Martin says: 'They'll get a chance to run a real-world place. We're going to have a teaching kitchen where celebrity chefs will come along and pass on their cookery skills. 'We're also putting in a stage with lots of musical instruments, which the locals will be able to come and use. 'And we'll have visiting musicians coming along, teaching musical skills to local kids. We might discover the next Stereophonics.' He also has a team of teens aged 15 to 17 working with his tradesmen, learning the skills to be plasterers, carpenters, electricians and plumbers. Martin says: 'By working in the pub, these kids are getting a massive step up the ladder. A lot of their lives have been transformed. 'We've had kids come off drugs. We've had kids who wouldn't get up out of bed in the mornings who are now arriving early to work because they're enjoying it so much. 'These kids have been told by the schools that they're rubbish. They come in, we give them a paintbrush or a trowel and say, 'There's a wall, you've got to work on this'. We teach them, and they walk away, heads held high, a belief in themselves has returned. 'They also walk away with a CSCS card, an industry qualification which shows they've got the safety experience to work on a building site. 'If one day they say working with me was a turning point in their life, I'll be thrilled. 8 Martin plans to create TV themed rooms in the hotel, including one based on Homes Under The Hammer Credit: Supplied 'Village lost its heart' 'Some of the youngsters have given up drugs. We have one lad who struggled to communicate because of a really strong stammer, but he's grown in confidence. 'Now he won't stop talking and his stammer has diminished, which is great to see. 'I was three hours away from death, so I am even more driven to do things, not to make me money — because it's certainly not doing that — but to do some good, and to change lives. 'Because that's what you'll be remembered for, not for having a million pounds in the bank.' He adds: 'Bear in mind that some families around this area have generations of unemployment. It's like breaking a cycle and the kids get to see the joys of working.' 8 Martin has been presenting Homes Under The Hammer for two decades Credit: Lion TV And Martin admits there are still months of hard graft ahead. He says: 'I've broken every single one of my rules! 'I have been driven by my heart. I made the classic error of going, 'It's a little pub, it closed at the start of lockdown, and the village has lost its heart and it needs me'. 'At the same time, my head is going, 'What the absolute bleep have you done here?' Every single wall was cock-eyed, every single window was falling down. Add to that the small matter of bats nesting in the leaking roof. 'It has ups and downs. I still have days when I really struggle with my health. 'This is the thing that just keeps me going. 'I've got people relying on me and I won't let them down. I'm not going to give up.' The last episode of Martin's programme will be the hotel's grand opening. He has already booked the world- famous Treorchy Male Choir and a big-name female celebrity. He says: 'I am absolutely supersizing it for the opening. 'The Valleys will have never seen anything like it." And there's light at the end of his tunnel too... 8 Martin has played a key role in the renovation the tunnel linking the Rhondda and Afan Valleys Credit: Huw Evans THE end is in sight for Martin's other fix-me-up project in the Welsh Valleys. His hotel in Blaencwm sits at one end of an incredible two-mile railway tunnel that has been closed off for more than 60 years. Martin is patron of the campaign to reopen the tunnel, which links the Rhondda and Afan Valleys, and turn it into a major tourist attraction. When it reopens it will be the longest all-year-round-use tunnel in the world for cyclists and walkers. Last week Railway Paths, a charity that restores old railway infrastructure, became a partner in the Rhondda Tunnel, which was used to transport coal from mines in the Valleys to Swansea docks. The £2million restoration could be open in two years. Martin says: 'Now all we want is for the Department for Transport to give us the tunnel. It's not going to cost the UK or the Welsh governments anything. 'The partnership with Railway Paths is a marriage made in heaven. 'This could be the vital step to finally making our dreams and hopes a reality. 'Being the longest continually open walking and cycling tunnel in the world will attract visitors from all around the globe to this area.'
The Irish Sun
8 hours ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Homes Under The Hammer's Martin Roberts gives shock update on hotel project, admitting ‘I have failed on every level'
WITH total honesty, Homes Under The Hammer presenter Martin Roberts admits: 'For a man who spends all his time telling people to make sure they stick to their budgets and timescales, I have failed on every single level.' Two years ago, the property expert showed The Sun around his own DIY project to turn a run-down Welsh village pub into a top tourist attraction. Advertisement 8 Homes Under The Hammer presenter Martin Roberts admits his project to renovate a Welsh pub has been a failure Credit: Dan Jones Images 8 The back of the hotel shows a building in dire need of urgent renovation Credit: Huw Evans And just like he does on the hit property show, I asked: 'What is your timescale?' Back then, in spring 2023, Martin was convinced it would take just two years and around half a million pounds to So here we are, two years later, and on the outside, the eight-bedroom boozer looks . . . exactly the same. Martin, 61, who has witnessed more than 3,000 property renovations on his BBC daytime show, says: 'I'm still smiling but, oh my word, what a challenge it's been. Advertisement READ MORE ON MARTIN ROBERTS 'I'll be honest, it's the first commercial property I've ever done. 'There have been lots of residential houses and flats, but commercial properties have a lot more complications. 'I'd say we are 60 per cent of the way there.' But when I ask how soon we can expect the pub to be open, Martin hedges his bets and shrugs: 'I think it's going to come together really quickly in the final few months. Advertisement Most read in News TV 'I'm hopeful for Halloween but Christmas would be good. If not, in time for Easter.' One of the many hold-ups, according to Martin, has been dealing with planners who insist he makes preparations in case the pub in the former mining village of Blaencwm is hit by a once-in-a-century flood. Homes Under the Hammer's Martin Roberts announces new series that's world's away from beloved BBC show He says: 'We've got to do it right, and we will do it right, but unfortunately that means there's lots of hoops to jump through.' It is only three years since Martin was minutes from death and Advertisement Doctors who carried out the surgery to drain fluid from the sac surrounding his heart told him in future to choose the easy life and avoid unnecessary stress. That is advice he does not seem to have followed. He could have spent his spare time living at his Rhondda Valley farmhouse — which he bought after falling in love with the area — and enjoying the stunning scenery which is popular with mountain bikers. Instead he decided to seize life and bought the pub lock, stock and barrel — without telling his wife Kirsty. Advertisement My head is going, 'What the absolute bleep have you done here?' Every single wall was cock-eyed, every single window was falling down. Add to that the small matter of bats nesting in the leaking roof. Martin Roberts In fact, father-of-two Martin thought he had kept the purchase a complete secret, but he reveals: 'My cleaner rang me up one day and said, 'Have you bought the Hendrewen?' 'It turns out her auntie was in the queue at Asda and the woman behind was saying, 'That Martin Roberts has bought the Hendrewen'. 'It's just hysterical because as far as I was concerned I hadn't told anybody, but it was being discussed in Asda.' next year — or whenever the pub finally opens. Advertisement But he has also given The Sun an exclusive peek at his architect's visualisations of how the pub will look when the work is finally done — including a wacky upside-down Rolls-Royce suspended from the ceiling in the dining area. 8 Martin has shared an artist's impressions of his ambitious plans to renovate the bar and restaurant Credit: Supplied 8 The bar and hotel aims to employ around 30 locals in one of the most deprived areas in Europe Credit: Supplied As well as a new bar and restaurant, there will be eight bedrooms, all named after hit TV shows. Advertisement Martin says: 'When I was a travel journalist I probably stayed in hundreds of hotels and often they all looked the same. 'The ones I remember most are those where the rooms felt individual. "So in my hotel I wanted to create rooms that had an individual feel. 'Then I woke up in the middle of the night and suddenly thought, why don't I theme them around what I know and what I'm known for, which is television. Advertisement 'Each room is themed around a legendary TV show. Obviously we're going to have a Homes Under The Hammer room with lots of memorabilia and funny stuff from the 20 years of the show. 'We're going to have a Doctor Who room, which is very science fiction-y. 'Next Stereophonics' 'A Fawlty Towers room where the light fittings are broken, the wallpaper is hanging off, beds are going to be very creaky and lots of quotes from Fawlty Towers on the walls. 'A Question Of Sport room will have lots of sports memorabilia. Advertisement 'There will also be a Top Of The Pops room, an Antiques Roadshow room, a Planet Earth room and one that is a tribute to Top Gear. 'I've been collecting things from car boot sales, flea markets and online for the last two years. Now I've got lots of TV memorabilia so these rooms can be decorated in the style of different telly programmes. It's going to be great.' 8 Martin is still optimistic his grand plans will accelerate over the coming months Credit: Supplied When the Hendrewen Hotel does finally open it will employ around 30 locals in one of the most deprived areas in Europe. Advertisement Teenage students on catering and hospitality management courses will get practical experience working in the pub and in the hotel. Martin says: 'They'll get a chance to run a real-world place. We're going to have a teaching kitchen where celebrity chefs will come along and pass on their cookery skills. 'We're also putting in a stage with lots of musical instruments, which the locals will be able to come and use. 'And we'll have visiting musicians coming along, teaching musical skills to local kids. We might discover the next Advertisement He also has a team of teens aged 15 to 17 working with his tradesmen, learning the skills to be plasterers, carpenters, electricians and plumbers. Martin says: 'By working in the pub, these kids are getting a massive step up the ladder. A lot of their lives have been transformed. 'We've had kids come off drugs. We've had kids who wouldn't get up out of bed in the mornings who are now arriving early to work because they're enjoying it so much. 'These kids have been told by the schools that they're rubbish. They come in, we give them a paintbrush or a trowel and say, 'There's a wall, you've got to work on this'. We teach them, and they walk away, heads held high, a belief in themselves has returned. Advertisement 'They also walk away with a CSCS card, an industry qualification which shows they've got the safety experience to work on a building site. 'If one day they say working with me was a turning point in their life, I'll be thrilled. 8 Martin plans to create TV themed rooms in the hotel, including one based on Homes Under The Hammer Credit: Supplied 'Village lost its heart' 'Some of the youngsters have given up drugs . We have one lad who struggled to communicate because of a really strong stammer, but he's grown in confidence. Advertisement 'Now he won't stop talking and his stammer has diminished, which is great to see. 'I was three hours away from death, so I am even more driven to do things, not to make me money — because it's certainly not doing that — but to do some good, and to change lives. 'Because that's what you'll be remembered for, not for having a million pounds in the bank.' He adds: 'Bear in mind that some families around this area have generations of unemployment. It's like breaking a cycle and the kids get to see the joys of working.' Advertisement 8 Martin has been presenting Homes Under The Hammer for two decades Credit: Lion TV And Martin admits there are still months of hard graft ahead. He says: 'I've broken every single one of my rules! 'I have been driven by my heart. I made the classic error of going, 'It's a little pub, it closed at the start of lockdown, and the village has lost its heart and it needs me'. 'At the same time, my head is going, 'What the absolute bleep have you done here?' Every single wall was cock-eyed, every single window was falling down. Add to that the small matter of bats nesting in the leaking roof. Advertisement 'It has ups and downs. I still have days when I really struggle with my health. 'This is the thing that just keeps me going. 'I've got people relying on me and I won't let them down. I'm not going to give up.' The last episode of Martin's programme will be the hotel's grand opening. Advertisement He has already booked the world- famous Treorchy Male Choir and a big-name female celebrity . He says: 'I am absolutely supersizing it for the opening. 'The Valleys will have never seen anything like it." And there's light at the end of his tunnel too... 8 Martin has played a key role in the renovation the tunnel linking the Rhondda and Afan Valleys Credit: Huw Evans Advertisement THE end is in sight for Martin's other fix-me-up project in the Welsh Valleys. His hotel in Blaencwm sits at one end of an incredible two-mile railway tunnel that has been closed off for more than 60 years. Martin is patron of the campaign to reopen the tunnel, which links the Rhondda and Afan Valleys, and turn it into a major tourist attraction. When it reopens it will be the longest all-year-round-use tunnel in the world for cyclists and walkers. Advertisement Last week Railway Paths, a charity that restores old railway infrastructure, became a partner in the Rhondda Tunnel, which was used to transport coal from mines in the Valleys to Swansea docks. The £2million restoration could be open in two years. Martin says: 'Now all we want is for the Department for Transport to give us the tunnel. It's not going to cost the UK or the Welsh governments anything. 'The partnership with Railway Paths is a marriage made in heaven. Advertisement 'This could be the vital step to finally making our dreams and hopes a reality. 'Being the longest continually open walking and cycling tunnel in the world will attract visitors from all around the globe to this area.'
The Sun
9 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Homes Under The Hammer's Martin Roberts gives shock update on hotel project, admitting ‘I have failed on every level'
WITH total honesty, Homes Under The Hammer presenter Martin Roberts admits: 'For a man who spends all his time telling people to make sure they stick to their budgets and timescales, I have failed on every single level.' Two years ago, the property expert showed The Sun around his own DIY project to turn a run-down Welsh village pub into a top tourist attraction. 8 8 And just like he does on the hit property show, I asked: 'What is your timescale?' Back then, in spring 2023, Martin was convinced it would take just two years and around half a million pounds to rebuild the Hendrewen Hotel in the Rhondda Valley. So here we are, two years later, and on the outside, the eight-bedroom boozer looks . . . exactly the same. Martin, 61, who has witnessed more than 3,000 property renovations on his BBC daytime show, says: 'I'm still smiling but, oh my word, what a challenge it's been. 'I'll be honest, it's the first commercial property I've ever done. 'There have been lots of residential houses and flats, but commercial properties have a lot more complications. 'I'd say we are 60 per cent of the way there.' But when I ask how soon we can expect the pub to be open, Martin hedges his bets and shrugs: 'I think it's going to come together really quickly in the final few months. 'I'm hopeful for Halloween but Christmas would be good. If not, in time for Easter.' One of the many hold-ups, according to Martin, has been dealing with planners who insist he makes preparations in case the pub in the former mining village of Blaencwm is hit by a once-in-a-century flood. Homes Under the Hammer's Martin Roberts announces new series that's world's away from beloved BBC show He says: 'We've got to do it right, and we will do it right, but unfortunately that means there's lots of hoops to jump through.' It is only three years since Martin was minutes from death and needed an emergency heart op. Doctors who carried out the surgery to drain fluid from the sac surrounding his heart told him in future to choose the easy life and avoid unnecessary stress. That is advice he does not seem to have followed. He could have spent his spare time living at his Rhondda Valley farmhouse — which he bought after falling in love with the area — and enjoying the stunning scenery which is popular with mountain bikers. Instead he decided to seize life and bought the pub lock, stock and barrel — without telling his wife Kirsty. My head is going, 'What the absolute bleep have you done here?' Every single wall was cock-eyed, every single window was falling down. Add to that the small matter of bats nesting in the leaking roof. Martin Roberts In fact, father-of-two Martin thought he had kept the purchase a complete secret, but he reveals: 'My cleaner rang me up one day and said, 'Have you bought the Hendrewen?' 'It turns out her auntie was in the queue at Asda and the woman behind was saying, 'That Martin Roberts has bought the Hendrewen'. 'It's just hysterical because as far as I was concerned I hadn't told anybody, but it was being discussed in Asda.' Martin is making a ten-part documentary series called Oops! I Bought A Pub, which will be shown on ITV next year — or whenever the pub finally opens. But he has also given The Sun an exclusive peek at his architect's visualisations of how the pub will look when the work is finally done — including a wacky upside-down Rolls-Royce suspended from the ceiling in the dining area. 8 8 As well as a new bar and restaurant, there will be eight bedrooms, all named after hit TV shows. Martin says: 'When I was a travel journalist I probably stayed in hundreds of hotels and often they all looked the same. 'The ones I remember most are those where the rooms felt individual. "So in my hotel I wanted to create rooms that had an individual feel. 'Then I woke up in the middle of the night and suddenly thought, why don't I theme them around what I know and what I'm known for, which is television. 'Each room is themed around a legendary TV show. Obviously we're going to have a Homes Under The Hammer room with lots of memorabilia and funny stuff from the 20 years of the show. 'We're going to have a Doctor Who room, which is very science fiction-y. 'Next Stereophonics' 'A Fawlty Towers room where the light fittings are broken, the wallpaper is hanging off, beds are going to be very creaky and lots of quotes from Fawlty Towers on the walls. 'A Question Of Sport room will have lots of sports memorabilia. 'There will also be a Top Of The Pops room, an Antiques Roadshow room, a Planet Earth room and one that is a tribute to Top Gear. 'I've been collecting things from car boot sales, flea markets and online for the last two years. Now I've got lots of TV memorabilia so these rooms can be decorated in the style of different telly programmes. It's going to be great.' 8 When the Hendrewen Hotel does finally open it will employ around 30 locals in one of the most deprived areas in Europe. Teenage students on catering and hospitality management courses will get practical experience working in the pub and in the hotel. Martin says: 'They'll get a chance to run a real-world place. We're going to have a teaching kitchen where celebrity chefs will come along and pass on their cookery skills. 'We're also putting in a stage with lots of musical instruments, which the locals will be able to come and use. 'And we'll have visiting musicians coming along, teaching musical skills to local kids. We might discover the next Stereophonics.' He also has a team of teens aged 15 to 17 working with his tradesmen, learning the skills to be plasterers, carpenters, electricians and plumbers. Martin says: 'By working in the pub, these kids are getting a massive step up the ladder. A lot of their lives have been transformed. 'We've had kids come off drugs. We've had kids who wouldn't get up out of bed in the mornings who are now arriving early to work because they're enjoying it so much. 'These kids have been told by the schools that they're rubbish. They come in, we give them a paintbrush or a trowel and say, 'There's a wall, you've got to work on this'. We teach them, and they walk away, heads held high, a belief in themselves has returned. 'They also walk away with a CSCS card, an industry qualification which shows they've got the safety experience to work on a building site. 'If one day they say working with me was a turning point in their life, I'll be thrilled. 8 'Village lost its heart' 'Some of the youngsters have given up drugs. We have one lad who struggled to communicate because of a really strong stammer, but he's grown in confidence. 'Now he won't stop talking and his stammer has diminished, which is great to see. 'I was three hours away from death, so I am even more driven to do things, not to make me money — because it's certainly not doing that — but to do some good, and to change lives. 'Because that's what you'll be remembered for, not for having a million pounds in the bank.' He adds: 'Bear in mind that some families around this area have generations of unemployment. It's like breaking a cycle and the kids get to see the joys of working.' 8 And Martin admits there are still months of hard graft ahead. He says: 'I've broken every single one of my rules! 'I have been driven by my heart. I made the classic error of going, 'It's a little pub, it closed at the start of lockdown, and the village has lost its heart and it needs me'. 'At the same time, my head is going, 'What the absolute bleep have you done here?' Every single wall was cock-eyed, every single window was falling down. Add to that the small matter of bats nesting in the leaking roof. 'It has ups and downs. I still have days when I really struggle with my health. 'This is the thing that just keeps me going. 'I've got people relying on me and I won't let them down. I'm not going to give up.' The last episode of Martin's programme will be the hotel's grand opening. He has already booked the world- famous Treorchy Male Choir and a big-name female celebrity. He says: 'I am absolutely supersizing it for the opening. 'The Valleys will have never seen anything like it." And there's light at the end of his tunnel too... 8 THE end is in sight for Martin's other fix-me-up project in the Welsh Valleys. His hotel in Blaencwm sits at one end of an incredible two-mile railway tunnel that has been closed off for more than 60 years. Martin is patron of the campaign to reopen the tunnel, which links the Rhondda and Afan Valleys, and turn it into a major tourist attraction. When it reopens it will be the longest all-year-round-use tunnel in the world for cyclists and walkers. Last week Railway Paths, a charity that restores old railway infrastructure, became a partner in the Rhondda Tunnel, which was used to transport coal from mines in the Valleys to Swansea docks. The £2million restoration could be open in two years. Martin says: 'Now all we want is for the Department for Transport to give us the tunnel. It's not going to cost the UK or the Welsh governments anything. 'The partnership with Railway Paths is a marriage made in heaven. 'This could be the vital step to finally making our dreams and hopes a reality. 'Being the longest continually open walking and cycling tunnel in the world will attract visitors from all around the globe to this area.'
Wales Online
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
A massive disused tunnel that has been shut for decades is a step away from re-opening
A massive disused tunnel that has been shut for decades is a step away from re-opening TV's Martin Roberts announces a new partnership that he hopes will make a dream become a reality Martin Roberts from BBC's Homes Under The Hammer with exciting news that could see the reopening of Rhondda tunnel becoming a reality with one final hurdle to jump (Image: Rhondda Tunnel Society ) Such is the enthusiasm for a project to become successful, one that will boost tourism and the local economy across two south Wales valleys, that people travelled miles and turned up in the driving rain to gather in a tent in a field to find out the next exciting step to make the dream become a reality. After spending so much time filming for BBC's Homes Under The Hammer in the valleys, as well as buying and restoring an old farmhouse in the Rhondda Fawr valley, Martin Roberts has become a familiar face in the area, so it was not a surprise that the Rhondda Tunnel Society had invited him to explore the now blocked up former railway tunnel. That was the start of a fascination and deep connection with this industrial structure that has since seen Martin accept the invitation from Rhondda Tunnel Society to become the charity's patron and together the group have been working tirelessly to progress the reopening of the tunnel - and now that possibility is only step away from happening. For more property stories sent to your inbox twice a week sign up to the property newsletter here. READ MORE: Matt Baker says 'it takes my breath away' as he explores amazing hidden tunnel in Wales YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Homes Under the Hammer's Martin Roberts announces huge Clarkson's Farm-style TV show at his pub renovation The tunnel was constructed by the Rhondda and Swansea Bay Railway, with work starting in 1885 from both ends, at Blaencwm in the Rhondda and Blaengwyfni in the Afan Valley, and opened in 1890. It was used to carry coal trains to Swansea Bay until its closure in 1969, with entrances to the tunnel at both ends then buried and the ground above landscaped. Article continues below For many years the volunteer charity Rhondda Tunnel Society (RTS) have been raising awareness and fundraising for the tunnel to be reopened to link the two valleys as a cycle and walking tunnel, making it the longest in Europe and second in the world to the Snoqualmie Tunnel near Seattle in the USA, but this tunnel is not continually open throughout the year. Group photo including TV's Martin Roberts at the launch event of the partnership between Rhondda Tunnel Society with charity Railway Paths (Image: Jo Ridout, WalesOnline ) The latest instalment of the hard work to bring this vision to life is arguably the most exciting as it brings the prospect of the tunnel being used again one step closer with the announcement of a partnership between RTS and Railway Paths Limited (RTL), an experienced charity that owns and maintains former railway infrastructure and architecture across Great Britain. Martin explained at the event held at the Blaengwynfi end of the tunnel: "Everyone here is s inging one song which is that this tunnel must open and everybody is in support of it - the only hurdle we've got left is the ownership of it to be transferred from the Department of Transport into the hands of Railway Paths Limited and then all the issues about it being funded by government don't exist." TV presenter and Homes Under The Hammer legend gives a speech at the Rhondda Tunnel Society event (Image: Rhondda Tunnel Society ) David Pemberton, managing director of Railway Paths, said: "We are very happy to form a working partnership with the Rhonda Tunnel Society. Together, I'm hopeful that we will be able to break down the barriers that have prevented it opening so far. "Railway Paths Ltd would take control and ownership of the tunnel from the Department of Transport , then work with the Rhondda Tunnel Society on creating the structure for its effective ongoing operation, as well as the initial renovation and reopening plan. "We have specific experience in this area, and strongly feel that the Rhondda Tunnel is a hugely important piece of railway history, and also offers an active travel route between two northern valleys and fosters massive tourism potential for the area. We are committed to doing what we can to make this project a success." Stephen Mackay, chairman of the Rhondda Tunnel Society, David Pemberton from Railway Paths and Martin Roberts chatting at the launch event announcing the partnership of the two charities (Image: Jo Ridout, WalesOnline ) The thought of the actual work required to get the tunnel open again might seem daunting for some people but Railway Paths Ltd trustee Caroline Levett allays any fears because the charity have done it a number of times, including the Tidenham tunnel along the Wye Valley Greenway. Based on her experience Caroline said it will be more straightforward than it first appears and could even take less than five years. She continued: "Take the minimum approach, just get it open to start with, I wouldn't bother with construction apart from excavation. There are two ends of the tunnel blocked in so you'll have to excavate that, which is a very straightforward job as long as you have somewhere to put the material, and I think any contractor would be delighted to do it." But there is one aspect of the tunnel reopening that must be carefully managed so the tunnel can be an all year tourist and cyclist attraction. Caroline Levett trustee at Railway Paths and Ryland Jones National Cycle Network Planning at Sustrans at the RTS event (Image: Jo Ridout, WalesOnline ) Caroline explained: " For me the single thing that's most exciting is that it's currently shut and so doesn't have any bats inside - that is an unbelievable plus - the Chepstow tunnel is only open six months of the year and during daylight hours because of the bats, there's not an issue here so there's no reason why this tunnel shouldn't be open 365 days of the year. "So y ou must put the lighting in and on before you open it or you'll have the bat problem, and any construction staff must operate under strict instructions," Caroline continues, "And at the next stage you're going to probably want to tarmac it but that's just a three day job. Zen Bevan and Paul Carey from MRS Training & Rescue who facilitated guests going down into the tunnel at the event (Image: Jo Ridout, WalesOnline ) "It looks like it will take about 15 minutes to cycle the tunnel but up to an hour to walk, so it also has to be exciting inside, and that's where the local community comes in." The support for the project by the public within both communities at either end of the tunnel, and much further afield too, has included some practical projects that ensures local people are a full and important part of the tunnel reopening. For more property and buildings content join our Amazing Welsh Homes Facebook group here Janet Slade-Jones attended the launch of the partnership of the two charities representing Treherbert Old Age and said: "We're making a quilt to be displayed under perspex in one of the arches of the tunnel, I think there's going to be about 13 in total done by lots of different community groups. Janet Slade-Jones from Treherbert Old Age explains some of the community involvement (Image: Jo Ridout, WalesOnline ) "The vast majority of the community are really behind it (opening the tunnel) obviously you've got some people who are sitting on the fence because yes, they want it, but they can't see it happening, their vision isn't quite there, which is fine, but after the announcement today then perhaps that is going to persuade these people more towards that it's going to be done, after being here today and hearing about the partnership, I cannot believe it, it's exciting." Martin says the event to announce the new partnership was attended by supporters of the tunnel reopening from across all political parties, local councils, groups and organisations, and members of the community, joining together to show a united front campaigning for this final piece in the tunnel puzzle to be put in place - securing ownership from the Department of Transport. Joel James, Welsh Conservative Regional Senedd Member for South Wales Central in the Welsh Parliament, shed some light on what might be the final challenge to get the project to the next level. Joel James, Welsh Conservative Regional Senedd Member for South Wales Central in the Welsh Parliament (Image: Jo Ridout, WalesOnline ) He said: "From what I can gather from speaking to the Department of Transport it's about concerns that when they've been involved in similar projects elsewhere, and a society that's been set up takes ownership, it hasn't lasted very long and they have had to take it back. "I think that's where the concern is, compared to say if they transferred it to say a local authority body - it's the longevity of a project. But I think this newly announced partnership between the society and Railway Paths should alleviate any concerns that the department has." CGI displays of how the Rhondda tunnel entrances might look once excavated and opened (Image: Jo Ridout, WalesOnline ) As the rain subsided, and so did the guests from the shelter of the marquee, Martin was left full of optimism and positivity for the future - for the tunnel, for the area, and for Wales. He said: "Being the longest continually open walking and cycling tunnel in the world, we know it will attract visitors from around the world, with all the knock on positive effects on the local economy. But it will also act as the catalyst for tourism and economic regeneration in the area. "The children of the area once believed that the steam train smoke emanating from the only ventilation shaft in the tunnel actually came from a fire-breathing Welsh dragon. Here's hoping it won't be long before we can finally release that beautiful Welsh dragon once again." Article continues below
