Written question WQ95707

Following confirmation of funding in the autumn statement, the Welsh Investment Zone Programme is proceeding at pace to deliver on our economic priority of green growth. The Wrexham and Flintshire Investment Zone reached a key milestone in February by agreeing its focus on advanced manufacturing and identifying proposed tax sites.

As part of the business planning phase of the Programme, the north Wales Corporate Joint Committee (CJC) and partners have done excellent work in developing proposals which set out a clear case to address key barriers to growth, promote innovation, and develop sites in areas like Wrexham and Deeside Industrial Estates.

Working closely with the key private sector partners such as Airbus and JCB the CJC and partners are currently targeting 6,000 new jobs and £1bn of private additional investment. Further assessments will be carried out by both the Welsh Government and UK Government as the business case and investment strategy for the Investment Zone develops.

Under the auspices of the CJC, the Flintshire and Wrexham Investment Zone is a key component and opportunity in relation to regional economic development in North Wales. Through maximising alignment and synergies with the activity and investments such as the North Wales Growth Deal (NWGD), Regional Skills Partnership (RSP) and the Anglesey Freeport, the Investment Zone will play a significant role in enhancing North Wales’s attractiveness for investment, whilst creating skills development, employment and supply chain opportunities for individuals and business throughout the region.