Anglesey Enterprise Zone set to grow with more sites

The Welsh Government has announced two sites on the island of Anglesey are to join its enterprise zone in a bid to bolster the local economy.

The two sites to be included are both in Almwich and are the Llwyn Onn Industrial Estate, a 15-hectare site which was the home of Rehau’s operations on the island and the Octel former bromine works, which ceased operations in 2004.

The site was in operation for over 50 years but, has since fallen into disrepair, with many of the buildings now laying derelict.

According to the Welsh Government, Amlwch’s economic situation has changed since the boundaries for the enterprise zone were originally drawn in 2012, following the closure of Rehau and decisions on Magnox decommissioning and Wylfa Newydd.

The employment rates for the area are below those for Anglesey and Wales as a whole, but a skilled workforce continues to live locally.

‘Our economic development team presented the Welsh Government with a strong business case for including both these important sites in the Anglesey Enterprise Zone,’ said Anglesey Council’s economic development and major projects portfolio holder, Cllr Carwyn Jones.

‘Both the town and wider area of north Anglesey has been hit hard by recent job losses and disappointment with recent news about the Wylfa Newydd project. Today’s announcement by the Minister is great news for Amlwch, north Anglesey and whole Island; and provides a significant to boost the council’s existing North Anglesey Economic Regeneration plan.

‘Our officers will now work with Welsh Government officials to determine what and how support can be secured to see investment and job creation on these two sites. We are eager to see activity commence as soon as possible, as part of the post Covid economic recovery efforts.’

The chair of the enterprise zone, Neil Rowlands added: ‘North Anglesey has been hit particularly hard in recent times with job losses, company closures and the challenges of delivering Wylfa Newydd.

‘With enterprise zone status, this now allows north Anglesey access to increased profile, additional Welsh Government support, unique enterprise zone funding streams, training opportunities and inward investment opportunities.’

Photo Credit – MagicDesk (Pixabay)