Battle for economic future
THE battle is on for the future of North Anglesey. During recent months the area has been hit hard by Hitachi’s suspension of the Wylfa Newydd power plant and confirmation the Rehau plastics plant in Amlwch will shut, with the loss of more than 100 jobs.
Wylfa Newydd was expected to bring thousands of roles during construction and create about 850 quality jobs during its 60-year operating period. In total it was supposed to be a 100-year project through construction, operation and decommissioning.
In addition, the existing Wylfa Power Station has been the main employer in North Anglesey for several decades, with hundreds of jobs connected directly or indirectly to the plant.
In June 2018 it was estimated Wylfa supported 630 jobs on Anglesey and contributed £32m to Anglesey’s annual GVA (Gross Value Added), according to Anglesey council. But as decommissioning continues, the numbers employed are set to fall, with the loss of jobs over time expected to have a massive impact on the region’s economy.
And people who live in North Anglesey are worried for the future.
But a fightback is under way to breathe new life into the economy and rejuvenate the area’s fortunes. Anglesey council, the Welsh Government and other local stakeholders are taking action to address what has been deemed a “critical situation”.
The public and key stakeholders have now been invited to have their say on a draft North Anglesey Economic Regeneration Plan, drawn up by the local authority on the back of a major consultation last year, which received 600 responses from residents and businesses and was backed through the NDA/ Magnox Socio-Economic Fund, which supports areas involved in nuclear energy production.
The plan has been developed to identify local strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for North Anglesey and identify priorities, needs and aspirations. Key is jobs, and with major doubts over the Wylfa Newydd project, it is proposed
to explore other key sites which can be used for investment and ‘growon’ spaces to enable small-tomedium enterprises and businesses to develop. The former Octel/Great Lakes and Shell sites have been identified as having potential and the council wants to push to obtain Amlwch Enterprise Zone status, which has benefits including tax breaks for businesses and Government support.
Tourism is also seen as an important sector. Although North Anglesey has some attractions amid its beautiful countryside, none have the pulling power of the likes of Surf Snowdonia or the castles of Conwy and Caernarfon. The public have indicated a desire for a new and exciting attraction, with calls to explore viable schemes at sites including Amlwch Port Harbour, Cemaes Harbour and the dramatic industrial landscape at Parys Mountain. Other suggestions include better connections between attractions, promoting the Welsh language to help bolster the region’s unique selling points, improving visitor accommodation and reusing vacant buildings for tourism, such as the planned redevelopment of Capel Bethlehem, Cemaes.
There are also calls to improve public transport connectivity in the area and to Holyhead, Llangefni and Bangor, improve cycling routes and ensure there is fast broadband to support business development.
Ensuring good-quality housing options for existing residents, young people and those who may relocate to the area is central to economic revitalisation and is seen as an important part in the jigsaw.
In 2017 there were 165 empty residential properties in North Anglesey, and several brownfield sites.
The number of empty units in Amlwch town centre has also increased in recent years, including the loss of bank branches.
Council chiefs saw opportunities exist to revitalise Amlwch high street with potential interventions – subject to funding – ranging from ‘facelifts’ of properties to providing ‘pop-up shop’ spaces and physical regeneration measures.
Anglesey’s County Council leader and Talybolion ward member Llinos Medi said: “The recent news regarding Hitachi’s suspension of Wylfa Newydd and Rehau’s potential Amlwch factory closure have been severe blows to the economic prospects of North Anglesey. The public consultation in 2018 drew over 600 responses which indicated that local people were concerned about the future of their area, and were keen to see something done to improve it. Following recent developments, the level of need and concern is much more acute.”
And while the county council has prepared the plan, delivery of its aims and proposals will require action from a wide range of partners.
Anglesey Council economic development and major projects portfolio holder, Cllr Carwyn Jones, said: “North Anglesey faces a number of challenges. A lot of background research has already been done in recent months to look at the area, and we now need to move to a stage where there are viable project proposals that can be put to funding bodies. We are therefore very keen to hear people’s thoughts on the North Anglesey Regeneration Plan.”
Ynys Môn AM Albert Owen said: “I welcome this consultation and indeed called for special attention and focus to be given to North Anglesey some two years ago following a community event. I asked for a dedicated officer from the county council to coordinate a social and economic plan. While this was not forthcoming I am pleased that recent events have concentrated minds and will work with the community and others to achieve positive outcomes.
“While the area has great challenges it also has great potential and resilient residents. Amlwch is one of the five major towns on the island and can and should be seen as a hub for the north of the island.”
He suggested that local service providers considered establishing area offices to stimulate the area and recently met training providers in the Amlwch area.
The document is on the county council’s website www.anglesey.gov. uk. Responses are sought by May 13.