Plans for huge new visitor centre and glamping site at Elan Valley beauty spot

These images show what an upgrade to a visitor attraction would look under multi-million pound plans. The Elan Valley Lakes project will see a redeveloped visitor centre, including new exhibition and planetarium, c afé extension to provide views of the dam, outdoor seating and car park improvements, all designed to deal with overcrowding. In March 2025, the project received £565,500 of funding from the Mid Wales Growth Deal to fund initial work on the three phase plan. The first phase is to expand the Celtic Rainforest area, create a film and a forest bathing trail. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here . The second is to redesign the visitor centre, and the third is to redevelop the sawmill, making a new activity centre, small glamping site, upgrade footpaths and bike trails and retreat accommodation as well as EV charging points. In total the scheme will cost £21m. In May, further funding for the project was approved by the Growing Mid Wales Board. It means Dŵr Cymru will receive a further £3.81m to progress delivery of the full project. Those behind the scheme say it will create a flagship visitor destination for Mid Wales, building on the area’s natural, cultural and heritage assets. The project aims to create year-round tourism opportunities, increase visitor spend, support jobs and apprenticeships, and strengthen the regional economy, while also supporting Welsh Water’s journey towards net zero. The original visitor centre will have to close during construction but temporary facilities will be provided. Leader of Ceredigion council Councillor Bryan Davies and leader of Powys council, Jake Berriman, said: "We’re pleased to see the Elan Valley Lakes project progress into delivery. This investment reflects our shared ambition to unlock the potential of Mid Wales—supporting sustainable tourism, creating jobs and showcasing the region’s unique strengths." Kit Wilson from Dŵr Cymru said: "This investment marks an important milestone for the Elan Valley, Mid Wales and Welsh Water. By expanding facilities, creating new educational and community spaces, improving accessibility and enhancing the overall visitor experience, the project will help ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy and learn from this unique environment. "It will also provide a valuable boost to the local economy, supporting sustainable tourism and growth while protecting and celebrating one of Wales’ most iconic landscapes.”