Karting track work at £49m attraction begins despite environmental concerns

Preparations for a downhill karting attraction are underway in Swansea, despite opposition from local campaigners.

The track is set to be built on Kilvey Hill as part of a £49m project, alongside a cafe, cable car, zipline as well as other attractions.

The plans received support from local businesses, but opposition groups expressed fears that the project could lead to a loss of wildlife and a "historic" green space in the city.

Skyline Enterprise Ltd said the project was being "overseen by leading environmental consultants and certified ecologists".

Work has also begun on-site at Landore park and ride, to prepare the area for the base station of the development's new gondola cable car.

Public access to the hill has remained open, with a safety exclusion zone in place around the active work area.

When complete, the adventure tourism destination will also include a zipline, free-to-access children's adventure playground, a sky swing, and food and drink facilities with views of Swansea Bay.

A planning application was submitted for the project in 2023, which saw local opposition groups gather on the hill to oppose the plans following a public consultation.

Kate Ashbrook, general secretary of the Open Spaces Society, which opposes the development, said: "Kilvey Hill is immensely valuable as a tranquil green space right on Swansea's doorstep, a part of the city which is lacking in open spaces."

The plans were approved by Swansea council in March 2025.

Geoff McDonald, Skyline Enterprise's chief executive, said: "With early preparation works now complete, people will soon begin to see real progress as we move into construction.

"We're proud to be bringing our first UK site to Swansea and to be working with local partners to deliver something truly unique for the city and the region."

McDonald added the firm was focused on delivering "lasting value for Swansea" including jobs and skills, and also "the biodiversity outcomes we are committed to delivering for Kilvey Hill".

Construction is expected to continue over the next two years, with the attraction scheduled to open in 2028.

Addressing concerns raised, a spokesperson for Skyline's Swansea Project said: "As much public access as possible is being maintained during construction, while protecting the health and safety of both the public and our workforce.

"Along with implementing our habitat restoration plan, we are pleased to be working with local community groups and supporting the wider woodland management plan.

They said the project was being overseen by "leading environmental consultants and certified ecologists" and it would work with local communities "to support nature access and biodiversity".

They added the project had "all required planning permissions" and "work is progressing in accordance with all planning and environmental requirements".

Swansea council said all views raised during the consultation were considered, and that the scheme would make Kilvey Hill more accessible and contribute about £84m to the local economy during its first 15 years.

It added it could create about 478 jobs during construction and about 100 permanent jobs during its first year.