News

Bluestone’s new £7m SkyDome project could create 300 jobs

Published

8 years ago

October 4, 2017

BLUESTONE has unveiled plans for its ‘groundbreaking’ SkyDome project which is expected to inject millions of pounds into the local economy.

A UK first, the £7million development will see a transparent canopy arched over a massive 7000 sqm area encompassing cafes, shops, activities and a 600-seat amphitheatre.

Expected to take around 15 months to build, it is anticipated that SkyDome will open to resort guests in spring 2019. Initially it will create 55 new jobs at the resort and will see around £3m spent within the local construction industry. It’s predicted that the new all-weather facility will herald the creation of an additional 300 jobs, taking the workforce at Bluestone to 1000 by 2020 .

With its sweeping, undulating landscape of natural grass, trees and ferns, SkyDome’s clear span roof would easily cover an area the size of a football pitch. The internal terrain will rise and fall in excess of ten metres which will give the space a genuinely organic atmosphere and a sense of being outside.

The concept was the brainchild of Bluestone’s CEO William McNamara, who wanted to create a landmark project for the resort offering quality holidays and short breaks whatever the weather.

“We’ve got lots of plans for the facilities within SkyDome which will take guests on a journey through its winding, gently sloping paths, to a choice of activities for all ages,” said Mr McNamara.

“Proposals include caving, a high ropes course, ‘free-range’ craft activities and an adventure play area. The vision is to provide a spectacular undercover venue bringing the great outdoors indoors.

An additional £22m will be generated for the local economy over a ten year period which includes £3m spent with local contractors during the construction phase.”

SkyDome aims to continue Bluestone’s ecological ethos where the holiday resort has already seen more than 330,000 trees and shrubs planted since 2008, and the creation of two biomass energy centres, producing 7,000 mwh of carbon neutral energy per year.

The environment has been carefully designed to reflect its natural surroundings, drawing on expert advice from physicists and horticulturalists and as a result the area will not be heated, relying instead on solar gain for warmth, while still allowing indigenous plants and trees to grow and flourish. The dome itself, supplied by Novum structures, will cost more than £3m and will be made up of hundreds of ETFE (Ethylene Tetra Flouro Ethylene) roof panels, similar to those used on the resort’s water park.

Terry Morley, partner at Holder Mathias Architects said: “The SkyDome creates a 7000 sqm covered Leisure Attraction which is a unique project and one which we are delighted to be involved in. The use of an ETFE covering on such a scale and in a UK holiday resort environment is, we believe, groundbreaking and will make a significant contribution to further enhancing the attractiveness of the Bluestone offer.”

The project leaders have been working with horticulturalist Ivor Stokes who worked at Kew Gardens, and more recently at the National Botanical Garden of Wales as its Director of Horticulture.

Head of Projects Liz Weedon said: “Ivor’s knowledge and expertise has helped us devise the perfect environment to achieve our vision.”

Mrs Weedon added: “As the area is rain-free, water run-off from the SkyDome will be collected in what is essentially a French drain system and used to manually irrigate the plants and trees inside. We have worked carefully to create an area which is still a genuine Pembrokeshire climate; therefore the SkyDome’s edges will not be hermetically sealed. Instead a perimeter bund has been designed to provide additional shelter allowing guests to have a real authentic outdoor experience – indoors.”

Mr McNamara concluded: “At Bluestone, we know that families like to relax and engage with the natural environment when they are here and with almost ten years of feedback from our guests we know they are really inspired by the beautiful, natural landscape of Pembrokeshire; our new SkyDome is the perfect compromise between the great outdoors and a dry all weather family activity area.

“We see this as a massive boost to the tourism offering at Bluestone and for Pembrokeshire, providing all-year-round, all weather holidays.”

Community

Three Amigos Easter Run roars through Pembrokeshire

Published

3 hours ago

March 28, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MOTORCYCLE enthusiasts turned out in force today (Saturday, March 28) as the popular Three Amigos Easter Run returned to the roads of Pembrokeshire.

The annual ride, now a firm favourite in the local biking calendar, saw a colourful convoy of motorbikes travel through towns and countryside, drawing crowds of spectators along the route.

Riders of all ages and backgrounds took part, with everything from classic machines to modern superbikes on display. Many participants embraced the Easter theme, with bikes decorated and riders donning festive outfits, adding to the atmosphere of the day.

The event is not only a celebration of the region’s strong motorcycling community but also an opportunity to bring people together, with families lining the streets to watch the procession pass through.

Organisers said the run once again highlighted the camaraderie among bikers and the support the event receives from local communities.

One rider said: “It’s a brilliant day every year. The turnout has been fantastic, and it’s great to see so many people out supporting us.”

The Three Amigos Easter Run has grown steadily in popularity, becoming a key date in the Easter weekend calendar and a showcase for Pembrokeshire’s vibrant biking scene.

With fine weather and strong attendance, this year’s event is expected to be remembered as one of the best yet.

Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald

Community

Classic car show returns to Carew airfield this summer

Published

3 hours ago

March 28, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Hundreds of vehicles, family attractions and local traders set for popular annual event

THE PEMBROKESHIRE CLASSIC CAR CLUB will once again bring a spectacular display of vintage motoring to Carew Airfield this summer, as its annual show returns on Saturday (June 6).

The much-anticipated event, running from 10:00am to 3:00pm, is expected to attract large crowds from across Pembrokeshire and beyond, with organisers promising a full day of entertainment for all ages.

Hundreds of classic cars will be on display, ranging from iconic British models to American classics, offering enthusiasts the chance to get up close to some of the finest vehicles on the road.

Alongside the cars, visitors can enjoy a wide range of attractions including craft stalls, food vendors, trade stands and free face painting for children, making it a popular day out for families.

The event will take place at Carew Airfield, a location well known for hosting large-scale gatherings, with easy access and ample space for exhibitors and visitors alike.

Organisers are encouraging car owners, traders and exhibitors to get involved, with applications now open for those wishing to showcase vehicles or run stalls on the day.

Admission prices have been kept affordable, with family tickets priced at £10, while adults and OAPs pay £5 and children £3. Both cash and card payments will be accepted.

A spokesperson for the club said the show continues to grow year on year, adding: “It’s a great opportunity to bring the community together, celebrate classic cars, and support local traders in a fantastic setting.”

For exhibitor and trade enquiries, contact [email protected]. Stall holders and car boot sellers can apply via [email protected].

Community

Residents evacuated after Carmarthenshire fire as investigation continues

Published

4 hours ago

March 28, 2026

Tom Sinclair

EMERGENCY SERVICES remain at the scene of a serious property fire in Kidwelly as investigations continue and efforts are made to make the building safe.

The fire broke out on Lady Street in the early hours of Tuesday (March 24), prompting a multi-agency response involving Dyfed-Powys Police, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, and Carmarthenshire County Council.

As a precaution, neighbouring properties were evacuated due to safety concerns, with residents temporarily displaced while the structural integrity of the affected building is assessed.

Safety work underway

Contractors were due to begin work at 9:00am on Thursday (March 27) to stabilise the structure and allow investigators to safely access the site. Authorities say the priority is to ensure the building is secure so residents can return to their homes as soon as possible.

However, officials have stressed that this will not happen until the site is deemed safe.

Lady Street remains closed while the work is carried out, with disruption expected to continue in the area.

Appeal for information

Police have thanked the local community for their patience and support during the ongoing incident.

Officers are continuing to appeal for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward. They are particularly keen to hear from anyone with CCTV, doorbell, or dashcam footage recorded between 11:00pm on Monday (March 23) and 4:00am on Tuesday (March 24).

Anyone with information is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police.