Western Gateway to close after five years of collaboration

South Wales Argus

2 days ago

Western Gateway, covering south Wales and western England, will stop operations on Friday, June 6.
That follows the UK Government's decision to end core funding for pan-regional partnerships.
Established in 2019, Western Gateway brought together 28 local authorities, businesses, and universities to drive economic growth across the region and attract investment.
Its achievements include securing more than £100 million for next-generation nuclear technology at the Severn Edge Low Carbon Energy Park, more than £10 million for the region's hydrogen supercluster, and delivering the first cross-border rail transport plan with local backing.
Sarah Williams-Gardener, chair of the Western Gateway, said: "This collaboration has shown the extraordinary potential of our region when business, industry, and political leaders unite behind a shared ambition.
"Thanks to the dedication of a truly outstanding team — and the vital support of our board — we've made a real, lasting impact.
"What we've achieved together demonstrates that transformative growth is possible when we look beyond traditional boundaries.
"I've been genuinely inspired by the readiness of our board members to come together, rising above political lines to focus on what truly matters.
"To see representatives from five political parties, 28 local authorities and two governments working side by side — with shared purpose and a deep commitment to the region's future — has been nothing short of remarkable."
The partnership began as the Great Western Cities initiative in 2016, linking Bristol, Cardiff, and Newport before expanding to cover a wider economic area.
Despite its closure, leaders of the founding cities have reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration.
Cllr Dimitri Batrouni, leader of Newport Council, said: 'Our area's potential for growth is unmatched.
"South Wales and western England are forecast to grow faster than any UK region outside London and strengthen the union and, as local leaders, we are committed to making sure we can deliver on that potential. 'We know business sees no borders and with over 100,000 car journeys across the M4 bridge every day, cross-border working will be essential for our area to ensure we can make decisions which capitalise on our potential.'
Tony Dyer, leader of Bristol City Council, shares the desire to keep working together.
'I am confident that the relationships we've built up through our time in the Western Gateway won't stop here," he said.
"I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues across the Severn and in the West of England to ensure we are delivering for the communities we represent.'
The UK Government's decision to discontinue funding for pan-regional partnerships was made in March.
While the partnership had recently secured around £2 million in additional support on top of £1 million in core government funding last year, the loss of funding means it will no longer operate in its current form.
Local authorities remain committed to exploring new ways to sustain cross-border collaboration in the region.