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Pembrokeshire Herald

£21.2m investment in Port Talbot regeneration to create hundreds of jobs

Three major projects announced as part of Tata Steel transition support A NEW £21.2 million package of regeneration funding will support more than 270 jobs in Port Talbot, with additional employment generated through construction and local business growth. The investment—pending endorsement by the Tata Steel / Port Talbot Transition Board today (22 May)—will fund three regeneration projects expected to generate £119 million in Gross Value Added (GVA) for the local economy. This announcement brings total investment from the Transition Board to over £70 million in just nine months, as part of efforts to support the area during Tata Steel's transition to electric arc furnace steelmaking. Projects supported by the funding: Advanced Manufacturing Production Facility and Net Zero Skills Centre – Harbourside, Port Talbot Investment: £12.5 million Total project value: £35 million (with additional funding from the Swansea Bay City Deal) Impact: Supports 170 jobs, engages 150 businesses, and generates £89.1 million in GVA The centre will deliver low-carbon and net zero skills training and manufacture specialist equipment, helping to anchor an Innovation District in the Harbourside alongside the SWITCH project and Innovation Park. Metal Box redevelopment, Briton Ferry Investment: £6.9 million Conversion and expansion of the former Metal Box site into modern business units. Sandfields Business Centre upgrade, Port Talbot Investment: £1.8 million Expansion and modernisation of premises to support growing and start-up businesses. Together, the Metal Box and Sandfields projects will support 101 jobs and deliver £29.9 million in GVA by 2035. Cross-party and local support Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens, who chairs the Transition Board, said: 'We promised to stand by the steelworkers, their families and the businesses of Port Talbot. This £21.2 million investment is a further step in delivering on that promise. The town's future—through the Celtic Freeport, offshore wind and green steel—is full of potential.' Rebecca Evans MS, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, added: 'This investment complements the Swansea Bay City Deal and opens up high-value jobs, especially in renewable energy and manufacturing.' Neath Port Talbot Council Leader, Cllr Steve Hunt, welcomed the funding: 'It is vital we help local people and businesses seize the opportunities decarbonisation brings. These projects support that goal while driving growth and future skills.' Further funding and support expected This is the sixth major announcement from the Transition Board, funded through £80 million from the UK Government. Additional funding is expected in the coming months. Previous allocations include: £30 million for supply chain support and worker retraining £13 million business start-up and resilience fund £8.2 million for a growth project generating £87 million in economic benefit £3.27 million for mental health support in Neath Port Talbot The UK Government has also committed £500 million towards Tata Steel's new electric arc furnace in Port Talbot, alongside a broader £2.5 billion pledge to rebuild the UK steel industry. More than 50 major employers, including Fintech Wales, The Royal Mint, and RWE Energy, have also pledged to support displaced Tata workers with guaranteed interviews, training, and coaching. For full details or to apply for funding, visit the Tata Steel Transition Information Hub.