Neath Port Talbot Leader Welcomes Welsh and UK Government boost to the local and regional economy.

The Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council has welcomed announcements by the Welsh and UK Governments to boost the local and regional economy.

The establishment of a new Enterprise Zone at Port Talbot Waterfront, announced by Edwina Hart, Welsh Government Minister for Economy, Science and Transport means the area will benefit from a range of incentives to stimulate economic growth and develop new employment opportunities.

The Port Talbot Waterfront Enterprise Zone will encompass established employment sites such as Baglan Energy Park, Baglan Industrial Estate and Port Talbot Habourside as well as potential development sites opened up by developments such as Harbour Way.

Work to establish the enterprise zone has been undertaken through close working between Neath Port Talbot Council and the Welsh Government and through the Business and Supply Chain work stream of the Tata Steel Task Force.

Council Leader Cllr Ali Thomas OBE said: “We are working closely alongside partners to ensure Port Talbot, the County Borough and the wider region can meet the challenges posed by continuing uncertainty in the global economy.”

“The establishment of an Enterprise Zone for Port Talbot will ensure that the area continues to diversify its economy and encourages further investment and the creation of high quality employment.

“Past and ongoing infrastructure projects such as Harbour Way, the new Baglan Energy Park Bridge, Harbour Walk, the Vibrant and Viable Places programme and the redevelopment of Port Talbot Parkway mean that the Enterprise Zone and the town is an increasingly well connected location for business to flourish.”

Cllr. Thomas also welcomed the UK Government budget announcement which saw Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne give the go-ahead for talks to begin on the ambitious ‘Internet Coast’ City Deal proposed by the Swansea Bay City Region Board.

He said: “I am delighted we can now enter formal discussions on what is a very exciting and forward thinking proposal to harness digital infrastructure and technologies on an unprecedented scale.”