Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from: -

·       Councillor Dave Hughes (Flintshire County Council) with Councillor Richard Jones deputising.

·       Councillor Julie Fallon (Conwy County Borough Council)

·       Professor Edmund Burke (Bangor University) with Professor Paul Spencer deputising.

·       Yana Williams (Coleg Cambria) with Steve Jackson deputising.

·       Rhun ap Gareth (Conwy County Borough Council) with Sarah Ecob deputising.

·       Wendy Boddington (Welsh Government Observer), with Dewi Williams deputising.

·       Dewi Morgan (Cyngor Gwynedd) with Sian Pugh deputising.

To receive any declaration of personal interest.

Declarations of personal interest were received from Steve Jackson (Coleg Cambria) and Professor Joe Yates (University of Wrexham) for Item 5 as the organisations were involved with the project. They did not withdraw from the meeting during the discussion.

Declarations of personal interest were received from Councillor Mark Pritchard (Wrexham County Borough Council) and Joe Yates (Wrexham University) for Item 7. They did not withdraw from the meeting during the discussion on this matter.

No declarations of personal interest were received for Item 8, acknowledging that there was no need for Councillor Nia Jeffreys, Councillor Edgar Wyn Owen or Dafydd Gibbard (Cyngor Gwynedd) to declare an interest on this item.

A declaration of personal interest was received from Professor Paul Spencer (Bangor University) for Item 9, as the organisation was involved in the project. He noted that it was a prejudicial interest and he left the meeting for the item.

A declaration of personal interest was received from Councillor Gary Pritchard (Isle of Anglesey County Council) for Item 9. It was noted that it was not a prejudicial interest and he did not leave the meeting for the discussion.

A declaration of personal interest was received from Councillor Nia Jeffreys and Dafydd Gibbard (Cyngor Gwynedd) for Item 10, as the Council was one of the project sponsors. It was noted that it was not a prejudicial interest and there was no need to leave the meeting for the discussion.

A declaration of interest was received from Councillor Edgar Wyn Owen (Eryri National Park) for Item 10. It was noted that it was not a prejudicial interest and he did not leave the meeting for the discussion.

A declaration of personal interest was received from Aled Jones-Griffith (Grŵp Llandrillo Menai) for Item 11, as the organisation was involved in the project. It was noted that it was a prejudicial interest and he withdrew from the meeting for the discussion.

A declaration of personal interest was received from Aled Jones-Griffith (Grŵp Llandrillo Menai) for Item 12, as the organisation was involved in the project. It was noted that it was a prejudicial interest and he withdrew from the meeting for the discussion.

To note any items that are a matter of urgency in the view of the Chair for consideration.

None to note.

The Chair shall propose that the minutes of the meeting held on 06 February 2026 be signed as a true record.

The Chair signed the minutes of the meetings held on 5 December 2025 as a true record.

Iain Taylor (Investment Zone Programme Manager) and Sian Lloyd Roberts & Rees Brown from the Regional Skills Partnership, to present the report.

DECISION

·       To note the progress on implementing the Investment Zone programme in close partnership with the Local Education Authorities, Coleg Cambria, Wrexham University and the Regional Skills Partnership.

·       To note the process for developing the projects contained in this report and that they have been agreed as suitable skills projects for the Investment Zone to support  the Regional Skills Partnership and are in line with the objectives of the Investment Zone Skills Plan.

·       To approve the project proposals submitted by Coleg Cambria to a value of up to £8,183,000 and delegate to the Ambition North Wales Chief Executive, Monitoring Officer, Section 151 Officer in consultation with the Chair and Vice-chair to agree and enter into a Grant Funding Agreement between the North Wales Corporate Joint Committee and Coleg Cambria.

·       To approve the project proposals submitted by Wrexham University to a value of £4,247,014 and delegate to the Ambition North Wales Chief Executive, Monitoring Officer, Section 151 Officer in consultation with the Chair and Vice-chair to agree and enter into a Grant Funding Agreement between the North Wales Corporate Joint Committee and Wrexham University.

The report was presented by the Regional Skills Manager and Chair of the Regional Skills Partnership.

DECISION

·       To note the progress on implementing the Investment Zone programme in close partnership with the Local Education Authorities, Coleg Cambria, Wrexham University and the Regional Skills Partnership.

·       To note the process for developing the projects contained in the documentation for this item, that they had been agreed as suitable skills projects for the Investment Zone to support the Regional Skills Partnership and that they were in line with the objectives of the Investment Zone Skills Plan.

·       To approve the project proposals submitted by Coleg Cambria worth up to £8,183,000 and to delegate to the Chief Executive of Ambition North Wales, the Monitoring Officer, and the Section 151 Officer in consultation with the Chair and Vice-chair to agree and enter into a Grant Funding Agreement between the North Wales Joint Corporate Committee and Coleg Cambria.

·       To approve the project proposals submitted by Wrexham University to a value of £4,247,014 and delegate to the Chief Executive of Ambition North Wales, the Monitoring Officer and the Section 151 Officer in consultation with the Chair and Vice-chair to agree and enter into a Grant Funding Agreement between the North Wales Corporate Joint Committee and Wrexham University.

REASONS FOR THE DECISION

To seek the Economic Well-being Sub-committee’s approval for the Flintshire and Wrexham Zone Skills Programme. This will enable the start of the Investment Zone skills programme at the time the Investment Zone is agreed between Flintshire County Council, Wrexham County Borough Council, the North Wales Corporate Joint Committee, Welsh Government and UK Government.

DISCUSSION

It was explained that the report presented the Flintshire and Wrexham Investment Zone Skills Programme and sought the approval of the Sub-Committee for the initial round of projects to support the Investment Zone.

It was confirmed that the Programme has been developed in collaboration with Flintshire County Council, Wrexham County Borough Council, Coleg Cambria, Wrexham University, Careers Wales and the Regional Skills Partnership.

Members were reminded of the need to provide skills for new employees, as the workforce in general was ageing, and there was a need to prepare to deal with new technologies. It was highlighted that the aim of the Programme was to respond to those needs by ensuring that the education and skills provided met the expectations of employers. It was noted that it was intended to ensure that local residents benefited through employment because of the skills they were developing within the Investment Zone.

Members were guided through the initial projects and explained that they focused on 'Pre-16 Interventions', '16-18 Interventions', 'Pathways for 18+' and 'Re-skilling and Upskilling'. It was detailed that several further projects were underway to address these key aspects, and that they had been developed by Coleg Cambria and Wrexham University.

It was noted that Coleg Cambria was developing training on Advanced Manufacturing, digital skills and Industry Technologies 4.4. It was elaborated that the College wished to expand apprenticeships and strengthen engagement with employers, particularly  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

The Chair shall propose that the press and public be excluded from the meeting during the discussions on the following items due to the likely disclosure of exempt information defined in Paragraph 14 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972: Information relating to the financial business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

While there is a public interest in transparency and accountability, this is outweighed at this stage by the need to protect commercially sensitive information given that disclosure would likely prejudice ongoing negotiations and the authority’s ability to secure best value and protect the proper use of public funds. 

A vote was taken on the proposal to exclude the press and public, and Councillor Nia Jeffreys abstained her vote on this item.

A vote was taken on the proposal to exclude the press and public, and Councillor Nia Jeffreys abstained her vote on this item.

The Chair proposed to exclude the press and public from the meeting during the discussion on the following items due to the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 14, Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972: Information about the financial or business transactions of any specific person (including the authority that retains that information).

While there is a public interest in transparency and accountability, this is currently outweighed by the need to protect commercially sensitive information given that disclosure would likely prejudice ongoing negotiations and the authority's ability to secure the best value and protect the appropriate use of public funds.

David Mathews (Land and Property Programme Manager) to present the report.

To approve the Outline Business Case for the Wrexham Gateway Project, subject to approval from the Welsh Government and UK Government of the assurance process held, and that the Council addresses the matters noted in the report, as described in Section 7, and asks for a Full Business Case to be prepared for the Sub-committee's consideration.

To authorise the Portfolio Director in consultation with the Chair, the Vice-chair, the Section 151 Officer and the Monitoring Officer to agree on draft terms in accordance with this report as a basis for the final funding arrangements for the project to be committed subject to Full Business Case approval.

To note that the approval from the Sub-committee is valid for a period of twelve months and should the project not proceed to an approved Full Business Case during this period, it will be required to return and re-submit the business case to the Sub-committee for approval. 

The report was presented by the Land and Property Programme Manager.

RESOLVED

To approve the Outline Business Case for the Wrexham Gateway Project, subject to approval from the Welsh Government and UK Government of the assurance process held, and that the Council addresses the matters noted in the report, as described in Section 7, and asks for a Full Business Case to be prepared for the Sub-committee's consideration.

To authorise the Portfolio Director in consultation with the Chair, the Vice-chair, the Section 151 Officer and the Monitoring Officer to agree on draft terms in accordance with this report as a basis for the final funding arrangements for the project to be committed subject to Full Business Case approval.

To note that the approval from the Sub-committee is valid for a period of twelve months and should the project not proceed to an approved Full Business Case during this period, it will be required to return and re-submit the business case to the Sub-committee for approval. 

REASONS FOR THE DECISION

To seek the Sub-committee's approval of the Outline Business Case for the Wrexham Gateway project by Wrexham County Borough Council.

DISCUSSION

The Report was discussed.

Hedd Vaughan-Evans (Head of Operations) and David Mathews (Land and Property Programme Manager) to present the report.

To agree to the request for change for the Parc Bryn Cegin project to allocate an additional £1.43m of Growth Deal funding to deliver Phase 2 of the Project to provide an additional 1,856 square metres (20,000 sq ft) of high-quality modern employment units operating on a low carbon basis.

To delegate to the Portfolio Director, in consultation with the Chair, Vice-chair, Monitoring Officer and Section 151 Officer, to agree and approve the relevant changes to the Joint Venture Agreement with the Welsh Government for the delivery of the project.

To note that the Full Business Case for Parc Bryn Cegin would be updated following the signing of the contract for phase 2 to reflect the final costs and to delegate the approval of the Full Business Case to the Portfolio Director.

The report was presented by the Head of Operations and Land and Property Programme Manager.

RESOLVED

To agree to the request for change in the Parc Bryn Cegin project to allocate an additional £1.43m of Growth Deal funding to deliver Phase 2 of the Project to provide an additional 1,856 square metres (20,000 sq. ft) of high-quality modern employment units operating on a low carbon basis.

To delegate to the Portfolio Director, in consultation with the Chair, Vice-chair, Monitoring Officer and Section 151 Officer, to agree and approve the relevant changes to the Joint Venture Agreement with the Welsh Government for the delivery of the project.

To note that the Full Business Case for Parc Bryn Cegin would be updated following the signing of the contract for phase 2 to reflect the final costs and to delegate the approval of the Full Business Case to the Portfolio Director.

REASONS FOR THE DECISION

To seek the Sub-committee's approval of the request for change for the Parc Bryn Cegin project, Bangor.

DISCUSSION

The Report was discussed.

Meghan Davies (Energy & Net Zero Programme Manager) to present the report.

To approve the Full Business Case for the Egni Project.

To authorise the Portfolio Director, in consultation with the Chair, Vice-chair, Section 151 Officer and the Monitoring Officer, to agree and enter into a funding agreement with Bangor University for the delivery of the project, subject to Bangor University addressing the outstanding issues set out in Section 7 of this report.

It was noted that approval from the Sub-committee was valid for a period of six months and should the project not proceed to a signed funding agreement during this period, it will be required to return and re-submit the business case to the Sub-committee for approval.

The report was presented by the Energy and Net Zero Manager.

RESOLVED

To approve the Full Business Case for the Egni Project.

To authorise the Portfolio Director, in consultation with the Chair, Vice-chair, Section 151 Officer and the Monitoring Officer, to agree and enter into a funding agreement with Bangor University for the delivery of the project, subject to Bangor University addressing the outstanding issues set out in Section 7 of this report.

It was noted that approval from the Sub-committee was valid for a period of six months and should the project not proceed to a signed funding agreement during this period, it will be required to return and re-submit the business case to the Sub-committee for approval.

REASONS FOR THE DECISION

          To seek the Sub-committee's approval for the Full Business Case for the Egni Project.

DISCUSSION

The Report was discussed.

Meghan Davies (Energy & Net Zero Programme Manager) to present the report.

To approve the Outline Business Case for the Trawsfynydd Innovation, Business and Skills Centre Project, subject to approval from the Welsh Government and UK Government of the assurance process held, and that Cyngor Gwynedd addresses the matters noted and described in Section 7 of this report, and asks for a Full Business Case to be prepared for the Sub-committee's consideration.

To authorise the Portfolio Director in consultation with the Chair, the Vice-chair, the Section 151 Officer and the Monitoring Officer to agree on draft terms in accordance with this report as a basis for the final funding arrangements for the project to be committed subject to Full Business Case approval.

It was noted that the approval from the Sub-committee was valid for a period of twelve months and should the project not proceed to an approved Full Business Case during this period, it will be required to return and re-submit the business case to the Sub-committee for approval. 

The report was presented by the Head of Operations and the Energy and Net Zero Manager.

RESOLVED

To approve the Outline Business Case for the Trawsfynydd Innovation, Business and Skills Centre Project, subject to approval from the Welsh Government and UK Government of the assurance process held, and that Cyngor Gwynedd addresses the matters noted and described in Section 7 of this report and asks for a Full Business Case to be prepared for the Sub-committee's consideration.

To authorise the Portfolio Director in consultation with the Chair, the Vice-chair, the Section 151 Officer and the Monitoring Officer to agree on draft terms in accordance with this report as a basis for the final funding arrangements for the project to be committed subject to Full Business Case approval.

It was noted that the approval from the Sub-committee was valid for a period of twelve months and should the project not proceed to an approved Full Business Case during this period, it will be required to return and re-submit the business case to the Sub-committee for approval. 

REASONS FOR THE DECISION

To seek the Sub-committee's approval of the Outline Business Case for the Trawsfynydd Innovation, Business and Skills Centre.

DISCUSSION

The Report was discussed.

Elliw Hughes (Growth Deal Programme Manager) to present the report.

To approve the draft Business Justification Case for the Sustainable Dairy Development Element of the Glynllifon Rural Economy Hub project subject to the approval of the Welsh and UK Governments of the assurance process undertaken, and that Grŵp Llandrillo Menai addresses the matters noted and described in Section 7 of this report, and secures all necessary internal approvals for the project.

To delegate to the Portfolio Director, in consultation with the Chair, Vice-chair, Monitoring Officer and Section 151 Officer, to agree and confirm the outstanding matters in the report before the funding is released and to note that if this is not completed in advance to the Sub-committee in May then the Business Justification Case would need to be resubmitted for consideration.

To note that a funding agreement has already been entered into with Grŵp Llandrillo Menai for the Glynllifon Rural Economy Hub project following the approval of the Sheep Milk Wales Business Justification Case, and that this agreement will include the delivery of this element of the wider project if this Business Justification Case is approved by the Sub-committee.

To note that there will be one more Business Case approval to deliver the remaining elements of the Glynllifon Rural Economy Hub project and that these will be submitted to the Sub-committee for future consideration.

The report was presented by the Growth Deal Programme Manager.

RESOLVED

To approve the draft Business Justification Case for the Sustainable Dairy Development Element of the Glynllifon Rural Economy Hub project subject to the approval of the Welsh and UK Governments of the assurance process undertaken, and that Grŵp Llandrillo Menai addresses the matters noted and described in Section 7 of this report and secures all necessary internal approvals for the project.

To delegate to the Portfolio Director, in consultation with the Chair, Vice-chair, Monitoring Officer and Section 151 Officer, to agree and confirm the outstanding matters in the report before the funding is released and to note that if this is not completed in advance to the Sub-committee in May then the Business Justification Case would need to be resubmitted for consideration.

To note that a funding agreement has already been entered into with Grŵp Llandrillo Menai for the Glynllifon Rural Economy Hub project following the approval of the Sheep Milk Wales Business Justification Case, and that this agreement will include the delivery of this element of the wider project if this Business Justification Case is approved by the Sub-committee.

To note that there will be one more Business Case approval to deliver the remaining elements of the Glynllifon Rural Economy Hub project and that these will be submitted to the Sub-committee for future consideration.

REASONS FOR THE DECISION

To seek the Sub-committee's approval of the Business Justification Case for the Sustainable Dairy Development Element of the Glynllifon Rural Economy Hub Project.

DISCUSSION

The Report was discussed.

Elliw Hughes (Growth Deal Programme Manager) to present the report.

To approve the request for change for the Academi Croeso project, granting a final extension of up to six months to introduce a new satellite in the form of a Business Justification Case to reallocate the remaining £1m of Growth Deal funding already committed to the project.

of up to six months to introduce a new satellite in the form of a Business Justification Case to reallocate the remaining £1m of Growth Deal funding already committed to the project.

REASONS FOR THE DECISION

Requests for changes to projects by Project Funders are matters for the Sub-committee to decide.

DISCUSSION

The Report was discussed.