Major document sets out future of Powys's economy

The authority, in partnership with Ceredigion Council, has today shared its vision for the economy, and its ambitions for a Growth Deal to make it happen, with the Welsh and UK Governments.

The wide-ranging 61-page document does not yet contain any specific calls for finance from the Government, but sets out the needs of the region if it is to reverse an anticipated decline in the overall workforce.

It looks at areas such as transport, skills, power, mobile and broadband connectivity, and employment sites.

These are just some of the ambitious ideas the document explores:

• Investment in initiatives that develop opportunities for local produce in the hospitality sector – with emerging concepts including a local food retail experience and a "University of Gastronomy".
• Helping food producers develop by ensuring their are enough factory buildings for them to be based in.
• An overhaul of transport in the region, including extra services and connections to big cities on the Cambrian line.
• Investment in "sustainable, experience-driven flagship attractions that significantly enhance the regional tourism offer".
• Investment in walking and cycling routes, and "dark skies sites" which would likely include the Elan Valley.

• Develop the concept of a "Welsh Centre for Rural Life" that would celebrate rural life, heritage and culture.
• Tackling Mid Wales' energy supply issues using batteries, hydrogen power, and allowing power companies to invest in infrastructure in advance of demand.
• Looking at how agriculture can help with energy supply.
• Investing in public-sector opportunities for renewable power generation such as wind, solar, biomass, and energy from waste.

• A programme of measures to improve broadband speeds and 4G mobile network connections across Powys and Ceredigion.
• Developing new business opportunities in the food sector such as controlled environment agriculture, vertical farming, pharmaceuticals from agriculture, manufacturing and product development, and trialling new processes and methods responding to automation/AI through agritech.

The document was mostly put together before the coronavirus outbreak, and the two authorities are planning to push ahead with it as it helps to prepare the ground for the county's post-Covid-19 recovery.

In a joint statement, Powys Council leader Councillor Rosemarie Harris and her Ceredigion counterpart Councillor Ellen ap Gwynn said: “Our vision is ambitious, but achievable. We have worked closely with businesses and across Mid Wales to put our vision together.

"The Coronavirus pandemic fundamentally affect our daily lives in a way that we have never seen. We are already seeing significant economic impacts globally, nationally and across Mid Wales.

"Rather than pause the Growth Deal in order to understand this effect in more detail, it is imperative that we prepare the ground now for the recovery that will inevitably need to follow.

"It’s an exciting step to be able to share our vision. Our plan is to use the Growth Deal to leverage further funding in partnership with both Governments to support much needed investment in the communities of the region by providing good quality jobs, and significant and sustainable growth.”

Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales, David TC Davies MP said: “The Mid Wales Growth Deal will contribute to the recovery of the region following the coronavirus pandemic. By working closely with the people who live and work in mid Wales we can capitalise on the region’s strengths and realise its full potential.

“I am encouraged by the progress that has already been made and look forward to seeing the development of projects that create jobs and economic growth.”

Welsh Government Deputy Minister for Economy, Lee Waters, said: “The Mid Wales Growth Deal has the potential to play an important part in the economic recovery of the region post-coronavirus and I’m pleased to see the progress made up to this point.

“Whilst an important milestone has been reached in setting out the vision and roadmap for a Growth Deal, further work is now needed to develop a programme of activities which can clearly demonstrate what can be delivered across the region and the outcomes to be achieved. This will be critical in reaching a point where Governments and the region can agree Heads of Terms and determine funding.

“The Welsh Government remains committed to working closely and constructively with regional partners and the UK Government to explore how a Growth Deal can benefit the area and its residents.”