Funding has been approved to help create a new Technology Park in Wales.

Economy Secretary Ken Skates has given the go-ahead for a new 50,000 sq ft industrial building to be designed and built in Ebbw Vale as part of the Welsh Government's plans for a new Automotive Technology Park.

Earlier this year, Mr Skates announced the Government would invest £100 million over the next 10 years to develop the Technology Park in Blaenau Gwent, which could potentially generate 1,500 new jobs in the area.

Speaking ahead of a visit to Ebbw Vale, the Economy Secretary said: "I am keen to progress our plans for a £100m  Technology Park as quickly as possible in order to secure high quality jobs and investment in Ebbw Vale and stimulate economic growth across the Heads of the Valleys.


"Today (01 October) I am pleased to announce that I have approved the necessary funding for the design and construction of a 50,000 sq ft industrial space in Rhyd Y Blew in Ebbw Vale to kick start that process.

"Since I announced the Welsh Government's  plans to establish the technology park, we have had a significant number of enquiries from automotive companies looking to move to Ebbw Vale, and I am confident that the development of this new facility will help us to start to meet demand in the market."

Chair of the Ebbw Vale Enterprise Zone  Board, Mark Langshaw, added: "We are pleased to welcome the Economy Secretary to Ebbw Vale again to discuss plans for the £100m technology park. It is good see that work is progressing and that the Welsh Government has committed to the construction of a 50,000 sq foot industrial building in Rhyd y Blew."

(LM)