Latest news with #WesternGateway
South Wales Argus
02-08-2025
- Automotive
- South Wales Argus
Cardiff Capital Region wants action on Severn Bridge limit
Vehicles weighing 7.5 tonnes and more have been barred from crossing the bridge, that spans the Severn from Aust to Chepstow, since Tuesday, May 27 and Monmouthshire County Council has warned it fears firms could relocate from Chepstow without continued easy access to the motorway network. Now members of the Cardiff Capital Region, which is the joint committee for the 10 unitary authorities in South East Wales, say they will look to support Monmouthshire's calls for a solution. Councillor Robert Bevan, who chairs its overview and scrutiny committee, promised to 'take the issue up' after it was raised at its meeting this week. The Labour member of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council said: 'Time is of the essence, we can't wait. I can certainly say I will take this up further and see what we can do.' He said the M48 bridge, at Chepstow, as well as the M4 and the Prince of Wales Bridge is a vital connection for the region's economy and key industries: 'We must emphasise it's not just Monmouthshire that will feel the impact but the rest of South Wales will feel it as well. 'We have deliveries come from the Midlands area, there's lots of companies in the automotive sector and aerospace which is built around Severnside and Filton.' Simon Griffiths, Labour councillor for Bridgend, noted the long term solution to strengthen the 1960s built suspension bridge's cables is estimated to cost between £300 million to £600m. He said it needed to be the 'top regional transport priority' for the body whose main functions are planning transport across the region and how land is used as well as growing the economy, including the Western Gateway project that involves councils across South Wales and the south west of England. Cllr Griffiths said: 'This really could damage any growth we see in South Wales.' Monmouthshire council's Labour representative on the body, Chepstow member Armand Watts who raised the bridge restriction at the meeting, said it's estimated up to 2,500 jobs in the town could be impacted. He also said the weight limit has scuppered plans for the Severnside area in Wales to rival the economic growth seen on the English bank. 'We had the opportunity to replicate what they've done in South Gloucestershire and Bristol where there are 9,000 jobs. I would say that's an economic hotspot.' Cllr Watts also complained the South East Wales Trunk Road Agency has 'not said anything publicly' about the weight limit and said it has been down to Monmouthshire to argue its case with the UK Government, which is responsible for both bridges over the Severn via National Highways. 'Our cabinet member was given 15 minutes with the junior minister, the minister for future highways, and that's it,' said Cllr Watts who also complained a working group has been set up 'without any elected members to decide our future.' Cllr Watts, who represents Bulwark and Thornwell, said his ward is only nine miles from the M4/M5 interchange, north of Bristol, which he said should allow it to benefit from the city's economic growth and said: 'I really hope you can show some solidarity with poor old Monmouthshire on this.' National Highways has previously said it is anticipated the weight restriction is expected to be in place for 12 to 18 months as a short term measure while it considers how it could allow vehicles over 7.5 tonnes to cross the bridge in a managed system as a medium-term solution.
The Market Online
14-07-2025
- Business
- The Market Online
The world's first quantum computing Super Hub opens in Alberta
SuperQ (CSE:QBTQ) officially opened the world's first quantum computing Super Hub at the Tecconnect Innovation Centre in Lethbridge, Alberta SuperQ is a global quantum and supercomputing company building tools for industry, research and education SuperQ stock last traded at C$0.82 SuperQ (CSE:QBTQ) officially opened the world's first quantum computing Super Hub at the Tecconnect Innovation Centre in Lethbridge, Alberta. The material provided in this article is for information only and should not be treated as investment advice. For full disclaimer information, please click here. The Super Hub provides businesses, governments and researchers with access to the company's Super platform – a natural-language-based platform similar to ChatGPT equipped with quantum, artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing capabilities – as well as experts on hand, to guide the adoption of quantum data processing across industries. The company set up shop in Lethbridge driven by the city's role at the centre of Alberta's contributions to technological innovation, including 'a proven track record of pioneering AI, blockchain and IoT programs catering to industry needs,' according to Monday's news release, while serving as 'a convergence point of Canada's Premiere Food Corridor and Western Gateway that comprise major manufacturing and supply chain activities.' The initial response to the Super Hub has been encouraging, with ongoing participation from 'business executives, innovation leaders, economic developers and scientists' placing quantum computing in the service of real-world problem solving. SuperQ intends to build upon this momentum with a global network of Super Hubs, including locations in the United States, Europe, India and the United Arab Emirates, with approximately 20 locations planned over the next six-to-eight months, according to an article from My Lethbridge Now. Leadership insights 'Quantum and supercomputing isn't a future promise – it's delivering ROI today,' Muhammad Khan, SuperQ Quantum Computing's chair and chief executive officer, said in a statement. 'Our Super platform is the ChatGPT for this industry, empowering businesses to harness quantum advantage without needing specialized training. We are thrilled to partner with Economic Development Lethbridge to make quantum and supercomputing accessible to every business and individual in Alberta and beyond.' 'Alberta tech is booming. From Lethbridge and Medicine Hat to Grande Prairie and Fort McMurray. The Quantum Hub is especially relevant for industries with complex decision-making like agriculture, transportation, manufacturing, finance and post-secondary or STEM education, offering hands-on exposure to emerging technology,' commented Nate Glubish, Alberta's Minister of Technology and Innovation. 'Lethbridge is now home to the world's first Quantum Super Hub, giving local companies a competitive edge by unlocking powerful computing capabilities that were previously accessible only to large tech centers or research labs,' added Renae Barlow, vice president of entrepreneurship and innovation at Economic Development Lethbridge. About SuperQ Quantum Computing SuperQ is a global quantum and supercomputing company building tools for industry, research and education. SuperQ Quantum Computing stock (CSE:QBTQ) last traded at C$0.82. Join the discussion: Find out what everybody's saying about this quantum computing stock on the SuperQ Quantum Computing Inc. Bullboard and check out the rest of Stockhouse's stock forums and message boards.
South Wales Argus
04-06-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Western Gateway to close after five years of collaboration
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.
Business News Wales
04-06-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Local Authorities Commit to Collaboration as Western Gateway Partnership Ends
The leaders of the cities which founded the Western Gateway Partnership have committed to continuing collaboration as the official pan-regional arrangement comes to an end. The partnership started as a collaboration between the cities of Cardiff, Newport and Bristol in 2016. It officially became recognised as a Pan-Regional Partnership in 2019 when the UK Government began to offer core funding alongside local support from councils and businesses. Since then, the partnership, which brought together local leaders with business and universities to champion growth and attract investment, grew to cover 28 local authorities. In March the UK Government decided not to continue funding Pan-Regional Partnerships, instead looking to English Combined Authorities to drive cross-region collaboration. Despite strong buy in from business and local authorities, without core funding the Pan-Regional Partnership is ceasing to operate on June 6. The Western Gateway has attracted more than £100 million investment to create the next generation of nuclear technology in the South West at the Severn Edge Low Carbon Energy Park and brought in more than £10 million to support the area's growing hydrogen supercluster. It was responsible for delivering the first locally supported cross border plan for better rail transport and holding three national conventions, bringing together industry, business and politicians with Welsh and UK ministers to put the area on the national stage. It also provided a platform for the area at some of the largest investment conferences in the UK and Europe, hosting the Western Gateway Pavilion at the UK's Real Estate, investment and infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) for the last four years in a row. Cllr Huw Thomas, Leader of Cardiff Council, said: 'It's been great to be a board member of the Western Gateway as we've developed and changed as a partnership. 'As a founding member of the Great Western Cities initiative in 2016 that formed the basis for the Western Gateway, I know our leaders recognise that we need to work together to make decisions which can benefit all of our communities. I look forward to developing how we build on this work to continue delivering on our combined potential.' 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.' Cllr Tony Dyer, Leader of Bristol City Council, said: 'Bristol has been a key member of the Western Gateway Partnership since it's inception and continues to see a huge benefit in working across borders to ensure we capitalise on our combined potential. With world leading expertise in creatives, green energy, high value manufacturing, AI and engineering, we have the potential to be world leading. 'I am confident that the relationships we've built up through our time in the Western Gateway won't stop here. 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.' Most recently, the Western Gateway's independent Severn Estuary Commission revealed its recommendations to a packed room of industry and politicians in Westminster. Their proposals showed that a tidal lagoon scheme in the estuary could deliver up to 2-3% of the UK's total energy supply, adding £12 billion to the UK Economy during the construction phase alone. Their recommendations have backing from Welsh Government, the Crown Estate, the Institution for Civil Engineers alongside environmental groups and local businesses. Recent reports suggest that this work will be taken forward by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority and Cardiff Capital Region working together. Sarah Williams-Gardener, Chair of the Western Gateway, said: 'It has been an absolute privilege to chair such a bold and visionary partnership. 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. 'While national support for pan-regional partnerships may be waning, I'm confident the momentum we've built will endure — because the need for collaboration, innovation, and ambition has never been greater.'
Daily Record
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Perth and Kinross politicians urge Transport Minister to take Swallow Roundabout issues seriously
Road users have not only faced delays but found the new layout both confusing and dangerous A Perth and Kinross councillor says almost 1500 residents have told him they have faced delays due to the Swallow Roundabout's new traffic lights. As well as delays, drivers have complained the Invergowrie roundabout's lanes and signage are both confusing and dangerous. Cllr Angus Forbes and local MSP Murdo Fraser have urged Scotland's Transport Minister to "start taking this issue seriously". The Swallow Roundabout is on the A90 next to the boundary between Perth and Kinross and Dundee. As part of the planning conditions for its Western Gateway development, housebuilder Springfield was asked by Dundee City Council to make improvements to the Swallow Roundabout. The developer appointed Luddon Construction Ltd to carry out the roundabout improvements. But the results have left road users seeing red. Approaching the roundabout from Perth, drivers are told there are two lanes which point straight on. It is only when the third lane appears, there is another sign saying there are three lanes and drivers can turn right towards Dundee/Invergowrie. But the traffic signals have a no right-turn sign on them. One Carse of Gowrie resident described the new layout as both "potentially life-threatening" and "mind-blowingly stupid (and yet eminently fixable)". Conservative councillor Angus Forbes and Murdo Fraser MSP wrote to Transport Minister Fiona Hyslop raising drivers' concerns. In her reply, the Ms Hyslop said: "It is likely to take some time for drivers to fully adapt to the new road layout at what is already an extremely busy part of the trunk road network and we would encourage road users to plan their journeys accordingly as some delays may be anticipated, particularly at peak times. "The noted observations in the Road Safety Audit carried out in March and any post-construction review observations including those made by road users regarding road markings and signs, are currently being reviewed and considered by the developer, their designer Amey and the local authority. All organisations are working together to resolve this matter." Cllr Forbes was "bitterly disappointed" with the Transport Secretary's response. He said: "It is absolutely clear that the signage is confusing and whilst I can't understand why a safety audit was needed to establish this, I am nevertheless grateful that it has flagged this up. "However, what this safety audit does not address are the long queues that my constituents face day after day trying to get to work and medical appointments. Almost 1,500 people reported to me that they faced increased journey times as a result of the new traffic light system, this is unsustainable in the long-term. I am already seeing increased traffic in local villages." Mid Scotland and Fife Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser accused Fiona Hyslop of "washing her hands of the problem". Mr Fraser added: "Her response to my letter about the issues experienced by many motorists at the roundabout is very vague and doesn't address all the issues there. "It is very clear that the new traffic system is causing many problems for motorists - the road markings cause confusion and it is no surprise there has been so much concern. We really need the SNP Transport Secretary to step up to the mark and start taking this issue seriously." Fellow Carse of Gowrie councillor Alasdair Bailey made a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to Transport Scotland to see the road safety audit, arguing - given it was about public safety - its findings should be made public. The road safety audit conducted by Stewart Paton Associates for Transport Scotland, on behalf of Springfield, made several safety recommendations which are currently being reviewed by Springfield.
