A "world-first" underwater museum and escape room are set to launch in a historic Welsh slate quarry in just a few months' time.
Both attractions at Vivian Quarry in Llanberis, Gwynedd, are expected to be easily accessible to visitors, with children as young as 10 allowed to explore the underwater site after a short safety briefing.
Diving operators claim they will use new technologies to bring "next-level adventures" to the quarry.
The twin ventures aim to showcase Welsh heritage to the world, while the technology is set to enable visitors to dive with minimal training.
Diving operators claim they will use new technologies to bring 'next-level adventures' to the quarry
DAVE PHILLIPS
Scuba Scape, the company behind the new attraction, said: "Over the past eight months, we have implemented intense safety procedures and conducted rigorous testing of every component in some of the harshest underwater conditions."
But the firm has kept quiet about the specific technology involved in the underwater experience.
The quarry is part of the vast Dinorwig slate complex, once the world's second-largest slate mine.
Since closing in 1960, rain and underwater springs have filled Vivian Quarry to a depth of 19 metres, submerging old buildings and mining equipment.
The site has become an extraordinary time capsule of an industry which once "roofed the world".
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Both attractions at Vivian Quarry in Llanberis, Gwynedd (pictured) are expected to be easily accessible to visitors
GETTY
For the past 12 years, only experienced divers could explore the quarry's depths - but now, the site will be accessible to visitors without specialist scuba diving knowledge.
At the heart of the project is a remarkable Blondin ropeway and winch machine, which has been rescued from the quarry.
The historic equipment, weighing over 10 tonnes, was installed around 1870 to revolutionise the movement of slate blocks.
Relocating the machine presented significant challenges and required a 14-hour operation by specialist teams.
At the heart of the project is a remarkable Blondin ropeway and winch machine which has been rescued from the quarry (file photo)
WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
The process involved carefully removing the slate roof, dismantling wooden beams, and disassembling the machine into four major components.
The largest wheel weighed around 3.5 tonnes, while the base weighed 4.5 tonnes.
Scuba Scape, which runs diving operations at Vivian Quarry, is owned by Leanne and Clare Clowes from Llangefni, Anglesey.
"We are committed to accessibility. We are currently researching and testing for possible future growth into our underwater museum to allow full accessibility to everyone," it said.
