In the heart of North Wales, a slate quarry is set to transform into an unprecedented underwater adventure, challenging the norms of both the mining and tourism sectors. Scuba Scape, the diving company helmed by Leanne Clowes and Clare Clowes, is diving headfirst into a bold new venture: an underwater museum and sunken escape rooms in the flooded Vivian Quarry, part of the historic Dinorwig slate complex.
Vivian Quarry, which closed in 1960, has been filled to a depth of 19 metres by rain and underground springs, creating an eerie, submerged landscape ripe for exploration. Scuba Scape, already operating diving excursions at the site, is now planning to open the quarry to visitors of all experience levels, starting from the age of 10. This ambitious project, in partnership with the Xplor Group consultancy, promises to revitalise the quarry and set a new standard for adventure tourism.
The Xplor Group, led by a CEO with a background in the oil and gas sector, brings a wealth of experience in offshore and deep-water technologies. This expertise has been instrumental in developing a unique underwater gaming programme and innovative technology that will make the underwater museum and escape rooms accessible to a broader audience. “Our collaboration has led to the commercialisation of a unique underwater gaming programme and innovative technology,” Scuba Scape stated via North Wales Live. This technology will allow guests to dive into the museum and escape rooms after a safety briefing, opening up a world of adventure to those who might otherwise never have the chance to explore beneath the surface.
The underwater museum will offer visitors a glimpse into the past, with slate ruins, mining equipment, and other artefacts waiting to be discovered. The escape rooms, meanwhile, will provide a thrilling 40-minute submerged experience, complete with puzzles to solve and hidden treasures to uncover. The storyline, as described by Scuba Scape, is nothing short of enthralling: “Enter the legendary Vivian Quarry slate mine, where miners hid treasure deep within the caverns. But beware – the dragon guarding it lurks nearby. Decipher the miners’ clues and race against time to uncover the treasure before the dragon discovers your presence. Will you escape the depths with glory, or become part of the mine’s lore?”
This project is not just about creating a unique tourist attraction; it’s about revitalising a historic site and investing in its future. “The Xplor partners and our team are dedicated to revitalising the quarry through substantial capital investments, ensuring a bright future for Vivian Quarry as a hub of adventure and innovation,” Scuba Scape said. This commitment to investment and innovation could set a precedent for other mining sites, both in the UK and abroad, encouraging them to explore new ways to repurpose and revitalise their own historic locations.
The potential impact of this project on the mining and tourism sectors is significant. It challenges the traditional notion of what a mining site can be, transforming a once-active quarry into a hub of adventure and innovation. It also opens up new possibilities for tourism, making underwater exploration accessible to a wider audience. As the project progresses, it will be fascinating to see how it shapes the future of both industries, inspiring others to think outside the box and embrace new, exciting opportunities.