Issue - meetings

Hedd Vaughan-Evans (Head of Operations) to present the report.

·       To consider and note the Quarter 2 Performance Report and updated Portfolio Risk Register.

·       To approve the submission of the Quarter 2 Performance Report to the Welsh Government and UK Government as well as the local authority scrutiny committees.

The report was presented by the Head of Operations.

RESOLVED

·       To consider and note the Quarter 2 Performance Report and updated Portfolio Risk Register.

·       To approve the submission of the Quarter 2 Performance Report to the Welsh Government and UK Government as well as the local authority scrutiny committees.

REASONS FOR THE DECISION

Quarterly reporting on progress against the North Wales Growth Deal is one of the requirements of the Final Growth Deal Agreement. Following consideration by the Ambition Board, the reports will be shared with the Welsh Government, UK Government and the local authority scrutiny committees.

DISCUSSION

An update had been provided on the progress of the Board's Programmes against the North Wales Growth Deal, detailing the following main developments:

·       Low Carbon Energy Programme - Members were reminded that a 'Cydnerth' Outline Business Case had been approved by the Board in July. It was noted that significant progress had been made to strengthen the off-take position for Holyhead Hydrogen Hub with a Memorandum of Understanding in place to move the project forward. It was confirmed that there was significant interest in the 'SelltoWales' project as part of the Smart Local Energy scheme.

·       Land and Property Programme - It was explained that positive developments could be seen in projects such as Warren Hall, Western Gateway, Former North Wales Hospital, Parc Bryn Cegin and Wrexham Gateway. It was recognised that a delay could be seen in the Holyhead Port and Kinmel Studios projects and that the projects appeared red on the Risk Register.

·       Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Programme - It was assured that the work of constructing the Enterprise Engineering and Optics Centre was developing well and that a further procurement campaign for the project had been launched. Members were reminded that the Business Justification Case for the Centre for Environmental Biotechnology had been approved by the Board in July 2024 and the project was working towards signing the Grant Funding Agreement.

·       Agri-Food and Tourism Programme - It was confirmed that the Responsible Adventure project was continuing to develop an Outline Business Case to be presented to the Board. It was noted that the Full Business Case of the Tourism Talent Network had been approved by the Board in September 2024. It was recognised that Glynllifon's Rural Economy Hub project continued to appear red on the risk register and was considering options following feedback on their environmental inspection.

·       ⁠Digital Programme – Attention was drawn to recent engagement developments of the 4G+ Connected Key Sites and Corridors project. Members were also reminded that the 'Advanced Wireless' Outline Business Case and the Business Justification Case of the LPWAN project had been approved by the Board in recent months.

          It was confirmed that there was no change in rating for the North Wales Growth Deal Portfolio Risk Register.