AN ADVENTURE park has used a six-figure grant to purchase a 91-kilometre lake, hill and woodland trail near Llandegla.
Oneplanet Adventure, the forest visitor centre which welcomes about 150,000 visitors each year to its series of trails for mountain biking, walking and running, has bought the site in Coed Llandegla Forest.
The firm has leased the visitor centre and car parks situated within the 650-acre woodland from the Church Commissioners of England for 13 years, however co-owners Jim Gaffney and Ian Owen now own the site after the major funding grant from HSBC UK, combined with a loan from the Development Bank of Wales.
The acquisition will allow the duo to expand their business and meet its growing demand.
Mr Gaffney and Mr Owen began their dream venture in 2006, turning their passion for mountain biking into a commercial business by offering bike rental, workshops and coaching on the site.
From left: Mr Owen, Mrs Gallagher, Mr Gaffney and Mr Hayward outside the Oneplanet visitor centre in Coed Llandegla.
Mr Gaffney said: “By acquiring the premises we’ve secured the future of the business and have much more control over our future expansion plans.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the support we have received.”
Martin Lyons, HSBC business banking area director for North Wales, said: “Jim and Ian are incredibly passionate about mountain-biking and it’s been our pleasure to support them in securing the future of the business with this latest acquisition.
“HSBC UK is dedicated to supporting SMEs achieve their business ambitions and we wish Oneplanet Adventure the best of luck as the team develops its plans for the next year.”
Chris Hayward, investment executive for the Development Bank of Wales, said: “Oneplanet Adventure is a well-established business with a great reputation in the industry. It has helped put North Wales on the map as the outdoor and adventure capital of the UK and is much in demand.
“Acquiring the premises will allow the Oneplanet to invest in new trails and attract even more visitors to the centre and the region.”
For more information about Oneplanet Adventure visit the website.
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