Issue - meetings

The Committee will receive a presentation from Mr. Sheibani, Chair of the Deeside Enterprise Zone

(a)       That the report be noted and further updates submitted on a quarterly basis; and

(b)       That a copy of the North East Wales Area Based Transport Study Report be forwarded to Councillor C.A. Thomas.

The Head of Regeneration introduced a progress report and presentation on the Deeside Enterprise Zone.

The Deeside Enterprise Zone (DEZ) came into effect on 2 April 2012.  The DEZ Board had submitted Business and Marketing Plans to the Welsh Government which had been well received.  These included bids for funding and a response was expected early in 2013.

The DEZ Plan aimed to transform Deeside into a centre for advanced manufacturing and technology on a world scale and it was envisaged that up to 7000 new jobs would be created.

                        Progress to date included:

• The approval of a planning application for the 200 hectare northern part of the Northern Gateway site, believed to be the single largest development site currently proposed in Wales. 

• A feasibility study was underway to examine the opportunity to develop a joint Advanced ManufacturingPark, focussed on a higher             education linked, Advanced Manufacturing Centre.

• A local recruitment initiative which had, to date helped 200 local people, with 140 of these having gained permanent employment

• A Development Team approach had been established and this was dealing with all major applications in a coordinated and effective way.

The Chair thanked the Head of Regeneration for the report and presentation.                        

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Enterprise and Leisure said that the Deeside Enterprise Zone was uniquely placed and offered great potential for an Advanced Manufacturing Centre.

The Chief Executive, a member of the DEZ Board, confirmed that a decision from the Welsh Government was imminent and said that there was a feeling that Deeside was ahead of other Enterprise Zones, and stressed the need for governmental facilitation and funding in order to replicate the success of the Sheffield Enterprise Zone.  The Head of Regeneration said that the public and private sector partnership that supported the DEZ was first class.

            Councillor N. Matthews asked when the project manager and director appointments for the DEZ would be made.  The Head of Regeneration said that this would be dependent upon a WG decision, as WG own the project and are responsible for its delivery.

            Councillor D. Wisinger thanked the Head of Regeneration for the report and said that this was good news for Deeside.  He voiced concern about possible traffic congestion around the area and asked if the Highways Department had already conducted a survey in relation to this.  The Director for Environment said that Highways were aware of the proposed developments and that part of the planning process would involve assessing and mitigating the impact of increased traffic in the area.  He added that the infrastructure needs for the DEZ were featured in the Business Case sent to the Welsh Government and that TAITH were currently undertaking a transport study in the area.

            The Chair asked if a member of TAITH was on the Enterprise Zone Board.  The Director of Environment responded that TAITH was not represented, but the Chief Executive commented said that Flintshire County Council was the lead for TAITH so the views for that body  ...  view the full minutes text for item 46