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The appointment of a new operator to take over the running of Cwmcarn Forest Drive has moved a step closer.

Caerphilly County Borough Council currently manages the site, via an agreement with landowner Natural Resources Wales (NRW).

However, the council has previously warned the site may “not be financially viable in the long-term” – and has been looking to offload its running and management to a third party.

The local authority has been working with NRW and real estate advisors Avison Young to seek expressions of interests from companies keen to manage and develop the site.

Now, the council has confirmed a “number of ambitious bids have been submitted” to take over the site’s running and said it is, alongside NRW, “in the process of assessing and shortlisting the proposals, before a successful bidder is selected”.

Following this process, the site will be offered to a commercial developer, which will be given the “opportunity to operate the current facility and to build on it, by funding, designing and constructing additional recreational facilities at the site, helping to add value to the current offer”.

Council leader Jamie Pritchard said: “We are pleased with the level of interest that has been expressed in this exciting commercial opportunity to breathe new life into the attraction.

“Cwmcarn offers a unique and exciting opportunity to create a landmark visitor destination for south Wales that will also attract people from across the UK.”

He continued: “We now look forward to progressing to the next stage of the selection process as we determine who will be best placed to secure and enhance the long-term future of this much-loved visitor attraction.

“We will keep the community updated in due course.”

The visitor attraction includes the scenic drive as well as a visitor centre, coffee shop, camping facilities, play areas, and lodges.

In 2022, the council launched its Cwmcarn Forest masterplan, which aims to boost tourism to the area, including projects such as the development of an alpine coaster, a scenic aerial walkway, zipwires, and a bungee jump.