Latest news with #Welsh-facing
Western Telegraph
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Western Telegraph
Pembrokeshire's Oakwood Theme Park revival plan put forward
The iconic attraction was shut down last March by its owners, Spanish leisure company Aspro Parks, who blamed decreasing footfall and rising costs for their decision to end the park's 38-year existence. Aspro is now said to be considering the proposal from RLP (Richens Leisure Projects) and RLP said: "We'd love to open as soon as possible." The man behind RLP, who lives in Carmarthenshire, close to the Pembrokeshire border, has asked to remain anonymous for the time being. But he has happy childhood memories of Oakwood in its glory days as the top tourist attraction in Wales, when it brought in over 500,000 visitors a year. The ride photo from Megafobia was a must-have Oakwood souvenir. (Image: Andrew RT Davies) "We don't just want to reopen the park — we want to enhance it, evolve it, and build something Wales can be proud of on an international scale,' he told the Western Telegraph. 'This is our one project, our full focus, and our commitment is absolute." Megafobia was regarded as one of the best wooden roller-coasters in the world. (Image: Gareth Davies Photography) 'I grew up in West Wales,' he added.' I remember every queue, every hill climb, every first drop. "Oakwood wasn't just a theme park — it was a rite of passage for kids in this country. You didn't just go there. You remembered it.' He continued: 'This isn't about nostalgia — it's about rebuilding pride. It's about giving today's kids the same memories we had, only with something stronger behind it: community ownership and a long-term plan.' Within a week of closure, the park was looking sorry for itself. (Image: Hidden Pembrokeshire - Gareth Davies Photography) He confirmed that he understands that his formal acquisition proposal is being reviewed by Aspro Parks and added: "The public response has already been overwhelming — what's missing is movement from the owners. We're ready when they are.' At the time of Oakwood's closure, Wales' First Minister, Eluned Morgan, said she was 'deeply saddened' at the news. She is amongst key stakeholders throughout Wales – including Welsh Government economy and tourism divisions and Visit Wales – who have been contacted by RLP. A visit to Oakwood was always a n eagerly-awaited treat. (Image: Oakwood Theme Park) While not wishing to reveal any images of their plans for Oakwood's revival at this stage, RLP's owner says that the plan "isn't about flipping a distressed asset. It's about rebuilding something meaningful for west Wales - a park with pride, roots and identity." "The moment we get the green light, we're ready to raise the serious funding this will require. "That's already in motion — but it only activates once we have Aspro's approval to proceed. We've planned the infrastructure, the rides, the workforce, and the Welsh-facing identity. "Now we just need the door to open."
South Wales Argus
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Pembrokeshire's Oakwood Theme Park revival plan put forward
The iconic attraction was shut down last March by its owners, Spanish leisure company Aspro Parks, who blamed decreasing footfall and rising costs for their decision to end the park's 38-year existence. Aspro is now said to be considering the proposal from RLP (Richens Leisure Projects) and RLP said: "We'd love to open as soon as possible." The man behind RLP, who lives in Carmarthenshire, close to the Pembrokeshire border, has asked to remain anonymous for the time being. But he has happy childhood memories of Oakwood in its glory days as the top tourist attraction in Wales, when it brought in over 500,000 visitors a year. The ride photo from Megafobia was a must-have Oakwood souvenir. (Image: Andrew RT Davies) "We don't just want to reopen the park — we want to enhance it, evolve it, and build something Wales can be proud of on an international scale,' he told the Western Telegraph. 'This is our one project, our full focus, and our commitment is absolute." Megafobia was regarded as one of the best wooden roller-coasters in the world. (Image: Gareth Davies Photography) 'I grew up in West Wales,' he added.' I remember every queue, every hill climb, every first drop. "Oakwood wasn't just a theme park — it was a rite of passage for kids in this country. You didn't just go there. You remembered it.' He continued: 'This isn't about nostalgia — it's about rebuilding pride. It's about giving today's kids the same memories we had, only with something stronger behind it: community ownership and a long-term plan.' Within a week of closure, the park was looking sorry for itself. (Image: Hidden Pembrokeshire - Gareth Davies Photography) He confirmed that he understands that his formal acquisition proposal is being reviewed by Aspro Parks and added: "The public response has already been overwhelming — what's missing is movement from the owners. We're ready when they are.' At the time of Oakwood's closure, Wales' First Minister, Eluned Morgan, said she was 'deeply saddened' at the news. She is amongst key stakeholders throughout Wales – including Welsh Government economy and tourism divisions and Visit Wales – who have been contacted by RLP. A visit to Oakwood was always a n eagerly-awaited treat. (Image: Oakwood Theme Park) While not wishing to reveal any images of their plans for Oakwood's revival at this stage, RLP's owner says that the plan "isn't about flipping a distressed asset. It's about rebuilding something meaningful for west Wales - a park with pride, roots and identity." "The moment we get the green light, we're ready to raise the serious funding this will require. "That's already in motion — but it only activates once we have Aspro's approval to proceed. We've planned the infrastructure, the rides, the workforce, and the Welsh-facing identity. "Now we just need the door to open."
