Giant dragon sculpture culture hub project 'would create up to 70 jobs'
Up to 70 jobs could be created if a major culture centre, which would include an 80ft Welsh dragon sculpture – is built.
Simon Wingett, the man behind the ambitious proposals, said the project has received a great deal of interest after a £1 million crowdfunding appeal was announced this week to help create the dragon and tourist centre, just off the A5 at Halton, near Chirk – the old Roman gateway to Wales.
In total, the proposal would cost £2.5m.
However, if the £1m crowdfunding goal is met, the remaining sum will be raised through cash from the Welsh Government and a Finance Wales loan.
Mr Wingett said the tourist attraction will be one to rival the Angel of the North. Cameras will be installed into the eyes of the bronze dragon to allow visitors to take in the area's surroundings.
In addition to the roaring statue, there will also be an amphitheatre for performances, a 12-acre garden and a Welsh centre of excellence created as part of the project, which will house a cafe, shop and art gallery.
Mr Wingett said: "Sixty to 70 full and part-time jobs will be created when, not if, the project goes ahead.
"There will be a cafe bar, so of course we'll need staff for that, we'll need gardeners, security guards, teachers who can inform visitors of the area's history.
This amount of jobs is going to be fantastic for this area. This project is going to be huge and give such a buzz to the area."
The 60-year-old said the dragon will be a lasting monument, which will strengthen Wales' national and international identity.
He said: "It will signal your arrival into Wales, and serve as a unique selling point to help create a flagship business-tourism and leisure hub.
"This centre will help people explore exactly what Wales has to offer."
To find out more visit www.thewelshdragon.co.uk for more information.
