Hi Barry,
I have been watching this with much interest and think it would be a really valuable and interesting place to visit, especially with the local scenery. I have added the article from yesterdays daily Post detailing the proposed plans personally I think it will be a great asset for the area, although Bri thinks differently due to the cost. However from the news I gather monet is to be raised from local businesses and grants.
AN ambitious project to build a huge iconic Dragon Tower rivalling the Angel of the North and the Statue of Liberty will be unveiled today.
The 25m tall sculpture and culture complex, costing an estimated £6m, is the long held vision of local businessman and entrepreneur Simon Wingett.
And today on St David’s Day, a partnership with Wrexham County Borough Council and Visit Wales will launch their Waking the Dragon campaign at the Ramada Plaza Hotel with the aim of turning the dream into a reality.
The bronze dragon will sit on a 40m gleaming tower symbolising the heritage and culture of Wales and the pride of the Welsh people.
But beyond that symbolic vision also lies a strong charitable purpose.
Every penny raised from patrons of the tower will be donated to the Frank Wingett Cancer Appeal which is currently celebrating its 30th year.
It is hoped “’Waking the Dragon” will become a cultural icon for North Wales in the way the Statue of Liberty is for America.
“We see it very much as an 8th Wonder of Wales,” said Simon.
The tower will sit within a landscape of formal and informal pathways and oak trees.
The area immediately around the tower will depict the “Four Branches” of the ancient Mabinogion tales, with the tower itself being at the centre of a circle of stones depicting Mabinogion characters.
Visitors will enter at the base of the tower where there will be interactive displays and an opportunity to learn more about Welsh culture before climbing a helical staircase of 206 steps set within the tower and glass lifts.
Adjacent to the tower will be a state of the art cultural centre.
Plans are set for this to include an art gallery, 100 seater café/bar, 125 seater Mabinogion “destination” restaurant, plus space for education, language study and potentially a museum.
The proposed site of the Dragon is on the A5 near to Chirk providing fantastic views across Wrexham and the borderlands.
Welcoming the project Wrexham council leader Aled Roberts said: “There is no doubt that this project will strengthen and further develop the tourism and heritage available to visitors in this part of north east Wales.
“The Dragon project will not only celebrate our unique heritage and culture, it will also boost the local economy with the creation of local jobs.”
If it get's built I hope that there's not going to be a challenge over the reunion weekend to be the fastest up to the top to hang something from it. Memories of a certain pair of ladies apparral spring to mind up a flag pole in Lemgo! Anyone remember that?
Originally Posted by Clive Rees (08)
Proposed dragon statue near Wrexham
Scouse75 thanked for this post
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks