Tower Colliery and Zip World Tower, Rhondda Cynon Taf

Details

Accessibility

Brief description

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tower_Colliery

2023: "Tower Colliery (Welsh: Glofa'r Tŵr) was the oldest continuously working deep-coal mine in the United Kingdom, and possibly the world, until its closure in 2008. It was the last mine of its kind to remain in the South Wales Valleys. It was located near the villages of Hirwaun and Rhigos, north of the town of Aberdare in the Cynon Valley of South Wales. Having mined out the northern coal extracts, the colliery was last worked on 18 January 2008 and the official closure of the colliery occurred on 25 January.[9] The colliery was, until its closure, one of the largest employers in the Cynon Valley.

Machinery from Tower was used to boost production at the nearby Aberpergwm Colliery, a smaller drift mine closed by the National Coal Board in 1985 but reopened by a private concern in the mid 1990s.[10] 

The management announced at closure that one of the possibilities of creating additional short term value was through open cast mining extraction of the residual 6  million tonnes of anthracite. In August 2010, the company filed a planning application for the extraction by open cast mining of coal to a depth of 165 metres (541 ft), on a 200 acres (81 ha) section of the former coal washery site. Coal would then be transported to Aberthaw Power Station by train.[11]

In 2012 Tower Regeneration Ltd, a joint venture partnership between Tower Colliery Ltd and Hargreaves Services plc was formed. The partnership company received planning permission that year to allow opencast coal extraction on what were termed the surface workings of the former colliery site, on the pre-condition that the site would be subject to land remediation and reclamation, followed by land restoration of the entire Tower Colliery site. The land reclamation works includes: removal of structures; removal of residual contamination; re-profiling of colliery spoil tips; removal of coal workings and mine entries; and provision of surface drainage. The project will create a sloping landform to reproduce semi-natural habitats on the site, and hence prepare the area ground for future mixed-use development.

The shareholders are still debating the future of the site, which they eventually wish to have developed to leave a legacy for the area which provides employment. Eventually there are plans to develop the site, with combinations of housing, industrial estate, industrial heritage museum or tourism resort being debated with several potential partners."

https://www.zipworld.co.uk/location/tower

"Home to Phoenix, Tower Climber and Tower Flyer, Zip World Tower is the 4th Zip World site to open, and is the 1st to be situated in south Wales. Nestled in the Rhigos mountain range, and boasting stunning panoramic views, this adventure hub is situated at the old Tower Colliery coal mining site, and had created a new lease of life for this historic and widely-loved base.

Home to Phoenix zip line, Tower Climber obstacle course and Tower Flyer zip line, Zip World Tower is the 4th Zip World site to open, and is the 1st to be situated in south Wales. Nestled in the Rhigos mountain range, and boasting stunning panoramic views, this adventure hub is situated at the old Tower Colliery coal mining site, and had created a new lease of life for this historic and widely-loved base.

Phoenix is the world’s fastest seated zip line, with 4 parallel lines in 2 separate zip zones. This zip line will see you flying across the Welsh countryside. Tower Climber is an adventure activity course, set high above the ground! The biggest of its kind in the UK. Tower Flyer is a mini zip lining adventure with 3 zipping zones and 2 lines side-by-side, ideal for kids or adults not quite ready to take on the adrenaline rush of Phoenix.

Enjoy the beautiful facilities and refreshments at Tower’s Adventure Terminal, where you can check-in, kit-up, grab a bite to eat, and enjoy the wonderfully restored Colliery site, where old meets new."

Address

Zip World Tower, Treherbert Road

Hirwaun

Aberdare CF44 9UF

Email

https://www.zipworld.co.uk/contact

Phone

Website

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tower_Colliery

https://www.mindat.org/loc-233208.html

Directions

On-site car parking (fees apply)

Opening Times

Always check with the venue directly for up-to-date information including opening times and admission charges as they may be subject to change

Cashless site (card payments only)

Dogs are welcome, but must be attended at all times and can not be left during your activity

Transport

Amenities

CEGIN GLO

Whether you’re in need of a refuel after your Zip World adventure, or want to sit back, relax, enjoy some stunning views alongside great food and drink, Cegin Glo is the spot for you. This modern yet rustic Bar & Bistro is the perfect setting to compliment the site’s rich history as a former coal mine, and references to its prolific past can be seen in every nook and cranny.

Toilets
Dogs Welcome
Restaurant
Shop