Reeves confirms investment zone for Flintshire and Wrexham

Ambition North Wales and both local authorities have welcomed the Chancellor’s rubber-stamping of a £160m investment over 10 years, earmarked to grow advanced manufacturing in the area.

ANW, also known as the North Wales Corporate Joint Committee, will deliver the project in partnership with the councils. The body said that the commitment by both the UK and Welsh governments aims to enhance and grow a “globally significant” advanced manufacturing cluster in what is already well established as an industrial hotspot.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed backing for the North Wales counties in a speech yesterday in Oxfordshire, in which she also namechecked Eren’s £1bn Shotton paper mill project. Reeves stated that the intention is to lever in £1bn of private investment over the coming decade.

Investment zone status means “a unique blend of support, infrastructure and targeted incentives designed to attract and sustain businesses” said ANW, with Airbus and JCB among those expressing support.

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In a joint statement, Cllr Mark Pritchard, Leader of Wrexham Council and Cllr Dave Hughes, Leader of Flintshire Council, said: “The Investment Zone is poised to transform the region into a hub of advanced manufacturing excellence, making it an extremely attractive prospect for investors and inward investment.

“The potential £160m funding package isn’t just a short-term boost, it’s a decade-long pledge to continuously invest in the region’s infrastructure and will create thousands of high-quality sustainable jobs. For investors, this means a stable, supportive environment where their businesses can thrive – creating a cornerstone of economic development in the region.

“It’s an exciting time, and we would like to thank the UK and Welsh governments for their vision and commitment to North East Wales.”

Tim Knowles, managing director and founder of FI Real Estate, a key developer in the area, said: “As an investor in Wrexham for almost 20 years, we’re delighted to see the announcement that Wrexham and Flintshire will receive Advanced Manufacturing Investment Zone status, with three of our schemes on Wrexham Industrial Estate – Wrexham 1M, Wrexham 152, and Bridgeway Centre – forming part of the designated zone.

“Across these sites, we’ll be investing £115m to create new, high-quality industrial accommodation, supporting the creation of over 1,000 new jobs and delivering an estimated economic value of £1.2bn in Wrexham over the next 10 years.”

There are three “tax sites” earmarked: Deeside Gateway, which comes under four ownerships, the Welsh Government-owned Warren Hall, and Wrexham Industrial Estate.

Access to key employment sites in the investment zone is included within the now live 12-week consultation taking place for the North Wales Regional Transport Plan, with a new station for Deeside among the possibilities on the table.

Alwen Williams, interim chief executive of the North Wales Corporate Joint Committee, said: “The potential of this Investment Zone is immense – securing a way to leverage the growth of advanced manufacturing businesses over the next decade. It will not only enable the development of key sites, but also the infrastructure needed to effectively deliver them, alongside the skilled workforce required to make those sites a success.

“Crucially for us, sustainability is also at the heart of future plans, with partners committing to align developments with green manufacturing principles, creating high-skilled jobs and drive economic growth while also protecting our environment. This is a hugely positive opportunity for North Wales, and I am excited about the possibilities it holds.”