Hotel development, tourism attraction and port plan are all chasing £51m cash pot for North Wales
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A hotel plan, tourism development, and port revamp are part of a 20 strong group of schemes chasing £51m. Ambition North Wales has announced a strong pipeline of new projects, which are being given the opportunity to bid for part of un-allocated Growth Deal funding in the future.
The move aims to accelerate regional growth through the delivery of sustainable economic projects across North Wales, which will generate jobs and align with environmental commitments.
Each potential new project, 16 confirmed - with a 17th subject to confirmation on scope, has been placed on a Reserve List (full list below). The projects must now produce Business Cases in order to secure part of the funding – which will be considered in terms of their impact for the region and how quickly they can move into delivery.
The Reserve List has been drawn up following a review of its own Growth Deal projects by Ambition North Wales – freeing up an initial £51m of funding, and a subsequent expression of interest process. Ambition North Wales partners, Welsh Government and UK Government were invited to put forward their priority public and private sector proposals for consideration.
The funding released by Ambition North Wales, following its portfolio review, was possible given its decision to withdraw two of its Growth Deal projects altogether, while moving three on to the new Reserve List - bringing the total number of schemes on the list to 20.
Cllr Mark Pritchard, Chair, Ambition North Wales: 'Our name says it all – we have great ambitions for North Wales and we want to deliver faster and smarter for the region. This new Reserve List contains projects with the potential to do just that – as they should be in a position to produce Business Cases over the coming 12-18 months with a view to moving swiftly into delivery, should approval be given. The result will improve the pace of delivery of sustainable economic growth across the region.'
The North Wales Growth Deal is a £240m cash pot backed by joint funding from Welsh and UK governments aimed at driving economic growth.
The Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said: 'We welcome the work undertaken by Ambition North Wales to review existing projects and identify a pipeline of potential new proposals. This provides an opportunity to take stock of progress to date and unlock new opportunities, maximising the potential to invest in transformational developments that can swiftly deliver sustainable growth and jobs across the region. We look forward to seeing this work progress over the coming months.'
Wales Office Minister Dame Nia Griffith said: 'It's great to see a strong reserve list of projects come forward for investment.
'The purpose of UK Government's funding of Ambition North Wales is to deliver economic growth to the region and create well-paid jobs that will put more money in people's pockets. It's important that successful projects help us to deliver on that commitment.'
Full list of projects:
Adventure Parc Snowdonia
Deliver a significant new visitor experience on the site of the former Adventure Parc Snowdonia facility.
Albert Gubay Business School
Construction of the Albert Gubay Business School at Bangor University.
Bangor Health Hub
To develop an integrated Health and Wellbeing Hub in a vacant former shopping centre in the heart of Bangor city centre.
Business Gateway
Serving as a bridge between Wrexham University and local industry, fostering collaboration, innovation, job creation and inclusive economic growth.
Innovation and Growth Fund
To support North Wales businesses in agri-food, tourism, and high-value manufacturing to boost innovation, adopt new tech, and grow regional competitiveness.
Kinmel Studios
A project to support the film industry in North Wales.
NEW-H2
This project will help kick-start the hydrogen economy in North Wales by supporting and delivering a hydrogen hub to include the supply and use of hydrogen.
North Anglesey Sites and Premises
Delivering 2,200sqm of business space in North Anglesey creating at least 59 jobs, and leveraging the Freeport and low-carbon energy growth.
Parc Bryn Cegin - Phase 2
The delivery of a further 20,000 sq ft of employment units at Parc Bryn Cegin.
Peboc Gateway Sites
Unlocking 6,750sqm of business space in Llangefni, creating at least 186 jobs and maximising benefits of the Anglesey Freeport.
Port of Mostyn
Upgrading berth and regeneration of former industrial site.
Project Prince
Construction of 110kt rock mineral wool plant with submerged arc furnace (SAF), primarily to serve the UK and Ireland markets.
Property Fund
A Commercial Property Development Grant to close viability gaps for private sector developers of industrial and office property, with funding also available for similar public sector developments on a Joint Venture Agreement basis.
Quarry Battery
A £300m Pumped Storage Hydro / BESS Hybrid scheme in North Wales.
Queens Market Hotel Development
Provision of mid-range, mid size hotel - a key part of a wider masterplan that is currently being developed for the area.
Society 5.0 - Manufacturing and Capability Project
Enhance the Enterprise Engineering and Optics Centre to enable industry to access further world- class high precision engineering resources.
St Asaph Business Park - Move on Accommodation
Development of high-tech industrial units on St Asaph Business Park.
Trawsfynydd
A scheme which will include a building to include office spaces, laboratory spaces (exact specification to be confirmed) and ancillary facilities (meeting space, café/canteen etc), to support the nuclear and low carbon energy industry together with the scientific community, located on Trawsfynydd Site.
Venue Cymru
A project that will expand facilities at Venue Cymru, boost jobs, cut carbon, and attract major shows, conferences, and cultural investment.
Wrexham Gateway
To address viability and support delivery of the evolving Wrexham Gateway project.
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