New plans launched for £4m Chrick dragon tower
Fresh plans for a £4 million dragon tower on the Shropshire/Welsh border, creating 80 jobs and a new tourism attraction, have been launched.
The new plans are a scaled back version of initial proposals originally mooted for land near Chirk, which stalled because of funding problems.
But the man behind the scheme, which would see an 80ft bronze Welsh dragon and cultural centre built just off the A5 at Halton drawing up to an estimated 200,000 visitors each year, says despite the changes its ethos to provide a world class attraction remained.
Businessman Simon Wingett said he had to scale back the project to fit in with the "risk adverse nature of financing during the credit crunch which is still prevalent".
The plans would see a one-storey centre built rather than a two-storey building and a high viewing tower has also been taken out of the project.
Mr Wingett urged the public to support the project by buying into a loyalty card scheme. This will offer, for £95, a lifetime of discounts across food, drink, events, merchandising and more at the attraction.
The scheme, known as Crowdfunding, will help raise the minimum of 50 per cent private equity and investment needed to unlock other funding scheme, Mr Wingett said.
He said: "This one-time donation will not only help us secure this astonishing landmark but create a most exciting and significant UK tourist destination and signpost.
"The colossal statue will stand majestically astride a 50ft hill looking across England and beyond.
"Two hundred thousand visitors will pump in much needed revenues into the local economy."
To register interest for the prospectus visit www.thewelshdragon.co.uk
