Issue - meetings

To consider the benefit of the Growth Deal for Gwynedd.

DECISION

1.     To accept the report and note the wide range of observations made, expressing dissatisfaction that some of the schemes were slow to mature, and regarding the balance between rural and urban investment.

2.     That the Committee receives a report on the Trawsfynydd Science Centre and Glynllifon Rural Economy Hub projects as soon as possible.

3.     Request an outline of the Growth Deal's cost to Cyngor Gwynedd and the outcomes for Gwynedd in terms of high-quality jobs, particularly in deprived areas.

4.     Request that future progress reports include more detail in relation to the jobs created specifically in Gwynedd, and the type of contracts.

The Leader of the Council presented the report noting that, following concerns raised at the Committee's June meeting when scrutinising the Cabinet Member for Economy and Community's performance report, it was intended to provide the Committee with an overview of the work of the Growth Deal and the benefit it would bring to Gwynedd. It was explained that the Growth Deal is a significant regional investment designed to strengthen the north Wales economy, create jobs, develop skills and support businesses.

It was noted that the programme included several projects across areas such as innovation, energy, digital, tourism and workforce development. It was elaborated that the report before them summarised the progress made with the relevant projects along with the highlights of quarter two, namely the period from June to September 2025. It was confirmed that an update would be given on the plans for the development of the Trawsfynydd site.

It was pointed out that this meeting was timely as the Cabinet had supported an outline business plan for the establishment of a science park in Trawsfynydd and the development of an innovation, skills and business centre there. The Committee was invited to consider the information, scrutinise progress and arrangements and make comments or recommendations to help ensure that the Growth Deal delivers the maximum benefits to the communities and people of Gwynedd.

The Head of Operations at Ambition North Wales, then took over and he thanked the member for the opportunity to present the work of the Growth Deal. A presentation was given on the main highlights during the year, including some of the latest developments since sharing the quarter two report.

It was noted that the aim of Ambition North Wales was to develop the region's economy in a sustainable way to create opportunities for people, communities and businesses. It was explained that the Growth Deal was a regional investment programme, with £240 million Government funding and a target of achieving over £1 billion investment in the region by 2036, along with the creation of up to 4,200 new jobs. It was noted that the Growth Plan was being implemented across five programmes, namely innovation in high value manufacturing, digital connectivity, agri-food and tourism, land and property and low carbon energy.

An overview of the main highlights thus far was given, namely:

-        The Growth Plan and portfolio management team had been transferred to the Corporate Joint Committee on 1 April 2025.

-        That a reserve list had been created for 17 new projects in May, and the Clean Energy Fund was launched in July.

-        The Parc Bryn Cegin Joint Venture Agreement with the Welsh Government was completed in August.

-        That the Economic Well-being Sub-Committee approved business cases for the Prince Project, the Manufacturing and Business Capability Project 5.0, North Anglesey Sites and Freeport at the October meeting.

-        In November, the CanfodAu building was officially opened along with the launch of the Academi Croeso project.

-        That the Sub-Committee approved business cases for the Port  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5