Business

£8.2 million for Port Talbot regeneration—what it means for West Wales

Published

10 months ago

February 5, 2025

THE FIRST of Port Talbot’s growth and regeneration projects is set to receive £8.2 million from the Tata Steel / Port Talbot Transition Board, marking a significant step towards revitalizing the local economy.

This investment is expected to support over 100 jobs and ultimately contribute more than £87 million to the South Wales economy. To date, the Tata Steel / Port Talbot Transition Board has allocated £51 million into the local community, with further projects anticipated.

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens, chairing the latest Transition Board meeting today (February 6), will announce that £8.2 million will be directed to the South Wales Industrial Transition from Carbon Hub (SWITCH). This initiative will redevelop a four-acre site at Harbourside, Port Talbot, incorporating new shared space, flood mitigation measures, and specialist equipment. The investment aims to establish an Innovation District that will assist the steel and metal industry in reducing carbon emissions. The facility is projected to generate and sustain over 100 jobs while bolstering the South Wales economy by £87 million.

This funding is part of the UK Government’s £80 million Tata Steel / Port Talbot Transition Board fund, which has already allocated £51 million since July. The latest announcement is the first targeted at regional growth and regeneration, with up to £30 million more expected to be invested in similar projects in the coming months.

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting Port Talbot’s community through Tata Steel’s transition.

“We said we would back the community of Port Talbot through Tata Steel’s transition, and we continue to do exactly that,” she said. “In just six months, over £50 million has been announced to support individual steelworkers, their families, and businesses in the supply chain. Now, we are investing in a major regeneration project for the town.”

She added that millions more in funding will follow, ensuring continued support for steel communities amid ongoing industrial changes.

The Secretary of State also confirmed efforts to enhance mental health and well-being services, with funding details to be announced at the next Transition Board meeting. The initiative will focus on community cohesion, well-being programs, and peer support networks, including partnerships with local organizations.

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy, and Planning Rebecca Evans welcomed the funding, stating, “This announcement builds on investments unlocked through the recent Celtic Freeport and other initiatives we are supporting in and around Port Talbot. Working alongside our Transition Board partners, we will continue to provide opportunities for growth while ensuring support for those impacted by Tata Steel’s changes.”

Neath Port Talbot Council Leader, Cllr Steve Hunt, also praised the investment, noting its role in attracting jobs and industry to the region: “The SWITCH project will build on our area’s longstanding expertise in the steel and metals industries, helping to address modern challenges and secure future employment.”

Professor Helen Griffiths, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at Swansea University, highlighted the importance of collaboration, stating, “SWITCH will strengthen Swansea University’s role in uniting academia, industry, and government. This investment will make Welsh research and innovation more accessible to businesses and help stimulate long-term economic growth.”

The SWITCH project, dedicated to industrial decarbonization, will establish a permanent base at Harbourside, adding to its existing £20 million funding from the Swansea Bay City Deal, which also benefits from UK Government support.

What this means for West Wales

This initiative aligns with broader regional development strategies, including the Celtic Freeport, which links Port Talbot and Milford Haven in Pembrokeshire. The Celtic Freeport, which received approval for its full business case in October 2024, aims to attract investment into low-carbon energy projects, create jobs, and contribute significantly to South Wales’ economic transition.

Key connections between the initiatives include:

Regional economic impact: The Celtic Freeport is projected to generate £900 million in Gross Value Added (GVA) by 2030 and £13 billion by 2050, complementing the Port Talbot project’s goal of injecting £87 million into the South Wales economy.
Decarbonization focus: The SWITCH project will support the steel and metal industry in reducing carbon emissions, aligning with the Celtic Freeport’s emphasis on low-carbon technologies, including floating offshore wind, hydrogen, and carbon capture.
Investment and innovation: The Celtic Freeport aims to attract £3.5 billion in investment for the hydrogen sector, while the Port Talbot Innovation District will serve as a hub for industrial research and development.
Government backing: Both projects receive support from the UK and Welsh governments, reflecting a coordinated effort to foster economic regeneration.
Energy transition: With Milford Haven already processing around 20% of the UK’s energy needs, both initiatives contribute to the country’s broader shift towards sustainable energy solutions.

By linking these initiatives, stakeholders can emphasize a holistic approach to economic regeneration, decarbonization, and job creation across South Wales, ensuring a sustainable future for communities from Port Talbot to Milford Haven.

Business

First wind turbine components arrive as LNG project moves ahead

Published

8 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE FIRST ship carrying major components for Dragon LNG’s new onshore wind turbines docked at Pembroke Port last week, marking the start of physical deliveries for the multi-million-pound renewable energy project.

The Maltese-registered general cargo vessel Peak Bergen berthed at Pembroke Dock on Wednesday 26^th November, bringing tower sections and other heavy components for the three Enercon turbines that will eventually stand on land adjacent to the existing gas terminal at Waterston.

A second vessel, the Irish-flagged Wilson Flex IV, has arrived in Pembroke Port today (Thursday) carrying the giant rotor blades.

The deliveries follow a successful trial convoy on 25 November, when police-escorted low-loader trailers carried dummy loads along the planned route from the port through Pembroke, past Waterloo roundabout and up the A477 to the Dragon LNG site.

Dragon LNG’s Community and Social Performance Officer, Lynette Round, confirmed the latest movements in emails to the Herald.

“The Peak Bergen arrived last week with the first components,” she said. “We are expecting another delivery tomorrow (Thursday) onboard the Wilson Flex IV. This will be blades and is currently showing an ETA of approximately 03:30.”

The £14.3 million project, approved by Welsh Ministers last year, will see three turbines with a combined capacity of up to 13.5 MW erected on company-owned land next to the LNG terminal. Once operational – expected in late 2026 – they will generate enough electricity to power the entire site, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.

The Weather conditions were favourable for the arrival of the Wilson Flex IV, which was tracking south of the Smalls at midnight.

The abnormal-load convoys carrying the components from the port to Waterston are expected to begin early next year, subject to final police and highway approvals.

A community benefit fund linked to the project will provide for residents in nearby Waterston, Llanstadwell and Neyland.

Further updates will be issued by Dragon LNG as the Port of Milford Haven as the delivery programme continues.

Photo: Martin Cavaney

Business

Cardiff Airport announces special Air France flights for Six Nations

Published

12 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Direct services to Paris-Charles de Gaulle launched to cater for Welsh supporters, French fans and couples planning a Valentine’s getaway

CARDIFF AIRPORT and Air France have unveiled a series of special direct flights between Cardiff (CWL) and Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) scheduled for February 2026.

Timed to coincide with two major dates — the Wales v France Six Nations clash on Saturday 15 February and Valentine’s weekend — the flights are designed to offer supporters and holidaymakers an easy link between the two capitals.

For travelling French rugby fans, the services provide a straightforward route into Wales ahead of match day at the Principality Stadium, when Cardiff will once again be transformed by the colour, noise and passion that accompanies one of the tournament’s most eagerly awaited fixtures.

For Welsh passengers, the additional flights offer a seamless escape to Paris for Valentine’s Day, as well as opportunities for short breaks and onward travel via Air France’s wider global network.

Cardiff Airport CEO Jon Bridge said: “We’re thrilled to offer direct flights to such a vibrant and exciting city for Valentine’s weekend. Cardiff Airport is expanding its reach and giving customers fantastic travel options. We’ve listened to passenger demand and are delighted to make this opportunity possible. There is more to come from Cardiff.”

Tickets are already on sale via the Air France website and through travel agents.

Special flight schedule

Paris (CDG) → Cardiff (CWL):

13 February 2026: AF4148 departs 17:00 (arrives 17:30)
14 February 2026: AF4148 departs 14:00 (arrives 14:30)
15 February 2026: AF4148 departs 08:00 (arrives 08:30)
15 February 2026: AF4150 departs 19:40 (arrives 20:10)
16 February 2026: AF4148 departs 08:00 (arrives 08:30)
16 February 2026: AF4150 departs 16:30 (arrives 17:00)

Cardiff (CWL) → Paris (CDG):

13 February 2026: AF4149 departs 18:20 (arrives 20:50)
14 February 2026: AF4149 departs 15:20 (arrives 17:50)
15 February 2026: AF4149 departs 09:20 (arrives 11:50)
15 February 2026: AF4151 departs 21:00 (arrives 23:30)
16 February 2026: AF4149 departs 09:20 (arrives 11:50)
16 February 2026: AF4151 departs 17:50 (arrives 20:20)

Business

Cwm Deri Vineyard Martletwy holiday lets plans deferred

Published

20 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

CALLS to convert a former vineyard restaurant in rural Pembrokeshire which had been recommended for refusal has been given a breathing space by planners.

In an application recommended for refusal at the December meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, Barry Cadogan sought permission for a farm diversification and expansion of an existing holiday operation through the conversion of the redundant former Cwm Deri vineyard production base and restaurant to three holiday lets at Oaklea, Martletwy.

It was recommended for refusal on the grounds of the open countryside location being contrary to planning policy and there was no evidence submitted that the application would not increase foul flows and that nutrient neutrality in the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC would be achieved within this catchment.

An officer report said that, while the scheme was suggested as a form of farm diversification, no detail had been provided in the form of a business case.

Speaking at the meeting, agent Andrew Vaughan-Harries of Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, after the committee had enjoyed a seasonal break for mince pies, said of the recommendation for refusal: “I’m a bit grumpy over this one; the client has done everything right, he has talked with the authority and it’s not in retrospect but has had a negative report from your officers.”

He said the former Cwm Deri vineyard had been a very successful business, with a shop and a restaurant catering for ‘100 covers’ before it closed two three years ago when the original owner relocated to Carmarthenshire.

He said Mr Cadogan then bought the site, farming over 36 acres and running a small campsite of 20 spaces, but didn’t wish to run a café or a wine shop; arguing the “beautiful kitchen” and facilities would easily convert to holiday let use.

He said a “common sense approach” showed a septic tank that could cope with a restaurant of “100 covers” could cope with three holiday lets, describing the nitrates issue as “a red herring”.

He suggested a deferral for further information to be provided by the applicant, adding: “This is a big, missed opportunity if we just kick this out today, there’s a building sitting there not creating any jobs.”

On the ‘open countryside’ argument, he said that while many viewed Martletwy as “a little bit in the sticks” there was already permission for the campsite, and the restaurant, and the Bluestone holiday park and the Wild Lakes water park were roughly a mile or so away.

He said converting the former restaurant would “be an asset to bring it over to tourism,” adding: “We don’t all want to stay in Tenby or the Ty Hotel in Milford Haven.”

While Cllr Nick Neuman felt the nutrients issue could be overcome, Cllr Michael Williams warned the application was “clearly outside policy,” recommending it be refused.

A counter-proposal, by Cllr Tony Wilcox, called for a site visit before any decision was made, the application returning to a future committee; members voting seven to three in favour of that.