PROJECT OUTLINE

Ffos Las started out as a brownfield site, some 600 acres of former open cast coal mine, in the Gwendraith Valley, South West Wales. Walters had the vision, ambition and most importantly the wherewithal in terms of experience, expertise and knowledge, to turn it into the first purpose built, national hunt racecourse constructed in the UK since 1927. With additional development for housing, infrastructure for the racecourse and mixed industrial/retail premises to support the residential element. Landscaping, stabilisation, drainage and addressing the stringent environmental and local planning concerns would be key to the project success.

PROJECT DELIVERY

After the detailed planning and environmental study phases, the project took only two years from first breaking ground ” to the official opening. The site was transformed with miles of drainage, leading to lagoons to store rainwater and run off for onwards irrigation. The greening continued with habitat creation and reclamation for many returning species.

Stables, hospitality venues, grandstands and paddocks we”re all completed ahead of schedule and the initial tranche of 250 houses are sold out, with planning consent in the pipeline for a further 250.

Ffos las is transformed from near useless, post-industrial wilderness, to a thriving, profitable race venue, providing valuable local employment and a centre for tourism in the area. The adjacent development is already becoming a thriving, vibrant, local community – with an hotel, pubs and restaurants supporting both the venue and local needs.