Anglesey Freeport has reached a major milestone with the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by the UK Government, Welsh Government and Isle of Anglesey County Council.
The agreement enables the Freeport to progress towards full operational status by spring 2026. It unlocks the first tranche of £25 million seed capital funding from the UK and Welsh Governments for projects that will improve infrastructure, attract inward investment and create employment opportunities.
The seven projects include road access improvements, energy infrastructure, site remediation and new improved facilities at the Menai Science Park campus. Together they will prepare the freeport's tax sites for private sector investment.
Anglesey Freeport is a designated zone where businesses benefit from tax reliefs and other incentives designed to attract investment and create high-quality jobs.
The Freeport will act as a significant economic catalyst for Anglesey and North Wales, driving investment, supporting skilled employment, and strengthening the island’s position in low‑carbon energy, advanced manufacturing and innovation. Preparatory work, including governance, tax site designations and engagement with landowners, is already well underway.
Councillor Gary Pritchard, Leader of the Isle of Anglesey County Council, said:
“Anglesey Council is pleased to sign the Freeport Memorandum of Understanding because it represents a major milestone in delivering new economic opportunities for the island. The agreement confirms a shared commitment with both governments, and Stena Line to establish a Freeport that can attract investment, support innovation, and create skilled jobs for local communities.
“Securing seed capital is especially important, as it allows essential early work to begin and demonstrates confidence in Anglesey’s strategic potential. With this foundation in place, the Council with other partners can accelerate plans that strengthen the island’s role in energy, manufacturing, and trade, helping drive long‑term prosperity across Ynys Môn and North Wales.”
Ian Hampton, Executive Chair of Stena Line UK, added:
“We welcome the approval of Anglesey Freeport’s memorandum of understanding with the Welsh and UK governments. This announcement marks the start of Anglesey Freeport’s operational stage, following the work undertaken to date to secure Freeport status, finalise our business cases, and prepare our tax sites for investment.
“We are grateful to the UK and Welsh Governments for their ongoing support and will continue to work with both governments and all Freeport partners to deliver our vision of providing jobs and economic growth for Anglesey and North Wales, while protecting the Welsh language and culture.”
Anglesey’s Chief Executive, Dylan J. Williams, said:
“This brings together all partners behind a shared commitment to deliver new opportunities, investment and skilled jobs for our communities.
“The MoU provides the framework we need to work effectively with both Governments, Stena Line and other partners as we look ahead with confidence to the delivery phase later this year. Anglesey Freeport represents a significant opportunity, and today’s formal agreement strengthens our ability to realise those ambitions.”
Rebecca Evans, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, said:
“This £25 million investment demonstrates our government’s commitment to securing Anglesey’s economic future and ensuring the benefits of major UK and Welsh Labour Government decisions are felt here on the island.
“By putting critical infrastructure in place now, we are positioning Anglesey to take full advantage of the Freeport, the renewed momentum at Wylfa, and the opportunities of the North Wales AI Growth Zone.
“This is a clear message: we are backing Welsh communities with the tools they need to compete, to attract high quality jobs, and to shape the industries that will define the economy of the future.”
Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens said:
“This news is a significant moment for the delivery of Anglesey’s Freeport which will be vital for kickstarting economic growth and is projected to create 5,000 jobs by 2030.
“This follows the UK Government’s recent announcements of new nuclear for Wylfa and a north Wales AI Growth Zone, which taken together will be transformational for people in north Wales, providing opportunities for generations to come.”
