Resolven and Seven Sisters are set to share in £13.5 million to create new industrial developments for SMEs.
They are among six locations in former coalfield areas that have been selected to get a share of the funding.
The money from the UK Government’s Growth Mission Fund will pay for half of the construction costs of new industrial developments which will house small and medium-sized businesses. The Coalfields Regeneration Trust, a charity dedicated to creating jobs and injecting growth into coalfield areas, will fund the other half.
The funding will support entrepreneurs in those areas who want to start their own business or business owners who want to expand their company in their hometown, rather than feeling forced to go to the next biggest town or city with a stronger economy.
Andy Lock, Chief Executive of the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, said:
“This is fantastic news for coalfield communities, and this investment will deliver benefits for many years to come.
“Our industrial developments will create hundreds of jobs and economic growth for the coalfields, while the income generated will support more grassroots community organisations and vulnerable people in the coalfields.
“This funding will change thousands of lives in coalfield communities, taking us another step forward to address the challenging legacy of the pit closures.”
Subject to approval of the final business cases, the six areas set to receive funding are:
- Resolven (Vale of Neath Business Park): A 30,000 square foot industrial development is proposed once the site is purchased – expected later this summer – and planning permission secured.
- Seven Sisters (Nant y Cafn Business Park): A 45,000 square foot industrial development is proposed once the site is purchased – expected later this summer – and planning permission secured.
- Cowdenbeath (Perth Road): 51,000 square feet of light industrial units will be built along with a substation and 87 car parking spaces. 103 jobs will be created on site with hundreds more supported.
- St Helens (Robins Lane, Sutton Fold): 32,000 square feet of light industrial units will be built alongside 54 car parking spaces. 64 jobs will be created on site with hundreds more supported.
- Thoresby (Thoresby Vale Colliery): A 22,500 square foot industrial development is proposed once the site is purchased – expected later this summer.
- Ashington (Ashwood Business Park): 49,500 square foot industrial development is proposed once the site is purchased – expected later this summer – and planning permission secured.
Once complete, sites will be self-sustaining, with rent revenue reinvested back into communities, the UK Government said.
Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said:
“As a result of this investment, people and businesses in former South Wales coalfield communities will receive greater access to the jobs and opportunities they deserve.
“For too long, these communities have been left behind – with many people having been forced to leave their local areas to seek employment elsewhere.
“The UK Government is acting to stop this cycle, by delivering jobs, prosperity, and growth right across Wales. We are backing our coalfield communities with the support they need, helping local businesses thrive, and ensuring our coalfield communities reap the benefit of a strengthened and fairer UK economy.”
