Trail building company Cognation has announced that Bike Park Wales has been selected as the preferred operator to develop, build and manage a new mountain bike park in south Wales.

The new bike park will be built in Gethin Woods, Merthyr Tydfil, and is another major investment into mountain biking within the region, with Cognation also responsible for trail centres at Afan Forest Park, Cwmcarn Forest and Brechfa.

The latest project is a partnership part-funded by the EU’s Convergence European Regional Development Fund, with that cash matched by the Welsh government and partner organisations.

The new bike park at Gethin Woods, which will open towards the end of 2013, will have a visitor centre, on-site facilities, downhill trails, singletrack and cross country trails, as well as an uplift service.

A Bike Park Wales spokesman said: “We are delighted to hear that we have been chosen as the preferred operator for the development at Gethin.  We, as a team, have had the vision for a bike park in south Wales for 10 years now and that has just become a reality.

“Our vision is for a truly world class gravity bike park. Being part of the wider Cognation programme is important for us as we create a key part of the wider development of mountain biking in south Wales.  Exciting times lie ahead, keep your eyes peeled for more news and info in the coming months.”

Councillor Jeff Edwards, leader of Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, added: “We are delighted that the county borough will benefit from a redevelopment of Gethin Woodland Park, which is seen as another major tourism investment for the area.

“This new development will be a huge boost for tourism and the wider economy of Merthyr Tydfil, which we hope will encourage both local people and visitors from further afield to enjoy the great outdoors within Merthyr Tydfil County Borough.”