SEW Corporate Joint Committee Chair, Cllr. Mary Ann Brocklesby and Vice Chairs, Cllr. Anthony Hunt and Cllr. Huw Thomas, response on behalf of Cardiff Capital Region:
We are disappointed that the Senedd Inquiry into City and Growth Deals by the Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee has expressed concerns around the Cardiff Capital Region City Deal, given our strong performance since 2017.
In that period, we have created and safeguarded more than 4,300 jobs, generated £236m in leverage and co-investment for projects and provided support to 735 SMEs across the region. Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) is a driver of innovation and investment and is the only Welsh region to have secured two UKRI Strength in Places awards, totalling £100m; awarded a £160m Investment Zone; and, recently, a Local Innovation Partnership Fund (LIPF) of at least £30m.
We work closely with both UK and Welsh Governments, with the City Deal subject to rigorous ongoing assessment by both. As part of the most recent UK Government review in 2024, an Independent Panel concluded that the CCR City Deal was on track and highlighted the strength of our project development, alongside the use of our expert advisory boards.
One of the unique features of our approach is the Return on Investment delivered by City Deal projects, with £19.1m of returns by the end of 2024/25 and this is projected to rise to over £30m by the end of 2025/26. Our varied portfolio enables CCR to secure returns that unlock future opportunities and lever more investment into the region, creating jobs and growth for those living in our ten local authority areas.
The former Aberthaw Power Station site is one of 27 projects within the CCR City Deal portfolio. When we acquired this large and complex asset, the £38m of City Deal funds allocated was for acquisition, demolition and partial remediation only.  Our plan was, and continues to be, to secure private sector investment to ensure the site reaches its full potential, delivering on regional and national ambitions. This is fully in accord with the target set by UKG to leverage £4BN of private investment over the life of City Deal.
With a potential Gross Development Value estimated to be approximately £750 million, Aberthaw represents an opportunity to turn a former coal-fired power station into a national destination for renewable energy innovation. With its national grid sub-stations, 18 million tonnes of fuel ash and tidal range, the site offers a unique opportunity. The project has already captured international attention, with partners recognising its potential as a world-class centre for energy solutions and homegrown energy capability.
We are proud of what has been achieved since 2017. As a new public body, we always act with probity and transparency and give account to our multiple government stakeholders and our governance framework of statutory sub-committees and advisory boards. Our organisation has evolved significantly in recent years, and we remain totally focussed and committed to delivering positive change as a regional public body. Â
The Senedd Committee Evidence can be found here.
