Dragon sculpture approved in Wrexham

Wrexham County Council has given approval for a 25-metre dragon sculpture to sit on a new 40-metre high tower overlooking the area.

Known as the Waking the Dragon project, the council deferred its decision on the plans after being concerned over the colour of the structure and its impact on a main road close by.

However, following a planning meeting on Monday night, the scheme was given approval with some conditions.

Wrexham County Council told Place the scheme is being referred to the Welsh Assembly Government to make a final decision.

Last April, Wrexham Council agreed to grant an option on land it owns at Chirk Park with the Frank Wingett Cancer Appeal to build the new attraction. The site is adjacent to the A5/A483 in Halton, Chirk.

Every penny raised from a visitor centre being constructed within the tower will be donated to the local charity, now in its 14th year of raising awareness of cancer.

The idea for the sculpture came from local businessman and entrepreneur Simon Wingett, son of Frank Wingett.

Pochin Construction was appointed in May last year to build the landmark, while TACP Architects designed the structure. The project cost was around £6m.

Jon Pochin, managing director of Pochin Construction, said: "I am delighted that the project has been granted planning permission, bringing Simon's vision a step closer to being delivered on site. The dragon will be a major tourist and business attraction for Wrexham, North and Mid Wales generating a significant revenue stream for the local community and the Frank Wingett Cancer Charity. Pochin is delighted to be the construction partner for this project and are now working with the rest of the team to ensure the scheme is delivered ahead of start of the London Olympics in 2012."

The area immediately around the tower will depict the four branches of the Mabinogion, a collection of eleven prose stories collated from Welsh tales drawing on folklore, 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. A staircase consisting of 206 steps set within the tower and glass lifts will also feature.

There will be a viewing gallery at the top which will allow visitors to stand beneath the dragon and take in the views of Wales.

The Frank Wingett Cancer Appeal believes the bronze statue could attract 150,000 visitors a year.