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The UK and Welsh Governments sign the North Wales Growth Deal, bringing jobs and investment to the region.

THOUSANDS of jobs will be created and the economy given a multi-billion pound boost after the ground-breaking North Wales Growth Deal was given the green light by both the UK and Welsh Governments.

Work will now begin on the five programmes that make up the £1bn Deal.

Led by North Wales Economic Ambition Board – a collaboration of the region’s six councils, two universities, two colleges and private sector representatives – the programmes are made up of 14 projects covering low carbon energy, innovation in high-value manufacturing, agri-food and tourism, digital connectivity and land and property.

Both governments have worked closely with stakeholders throughout the process and had earlier committed £240m - £120m each – to help bring the Deal to fruition.

Secretary of State for Wales Simon Hart, Wales Office Minister David TC Davies and Ken Skates MS, Minister for the Economy and North Wales, signed the deal agreement on Thursday 17 December.

Secretary of State for Wales Simon Hart yesterday said:

It’s fantastic see an exciting and transformative economic deal being delivered across North Wales. We want to build back better from the pandemic and bring jobs and investment to our communities, which is why UK Government has already committed £120 million to this project.

The North Wales Growth Deal is an incredible opportunity for the region and for the wider Welsh economy. Working hand in hand with local government and business, we will ensure the growth deal unleashes the full potential of North Wales.

Their main objectives are to create up to 4,200 new jobs by 2036, support an uplift of £2bn-2.4bn for the economy over that same period, and deliver total investment of up to £1.1bn.

Among the first projects to get underway in 2021 is the £35m Morlais renewable energy scheme off the coast of Anglesey.

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