£300m railway project in Powys delayed by five years risks local job opportunities and economic boost
£300m railway project in Powys delayed by five years risks local job opportunities and economic boost
A report to a Powys County Council committee has revealed that one of the biggest employment projects in the county is running five years later than planned
The project would potentially introduce hundreds of jobs
(Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service )
A rail track testing facility project near Ystradygynlais has experienced significant delays, now running at least five years late, according to recent disclosures. The plan promises substantial economic benefits by potentially introducing hundreds of jobs and is anticipated to inject approximately £300m into the local economy.
During a Powys County Council's Governance and Audit committee session, councillors together with lay members reviewed a report on the risks the council faces from repurposing the former Nant Helen coal drift mine into a state-of-the-art Global Centre of Railway Excellence (GCRE).
Diane Reynolds, director of economic development and growth, informed the committee that they can expect GCRE to submit additional planning applications for the site to the council in the upcoming year. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here
Planning permissions confirming the fundamental viability of redeveloping the location were secured from both Powys and Neath Port Talbot council's planning committees back in 2021.
In the previous year, GCRE had secured approval from planning authorities to extend the time permitted to deliver detailed designs for the project.
A site masterplan shows how the GCRE will take shape.
(Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service )
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The facility was initially slated to be up and running by 2025, however this no longer appears to be the case. Ms Reynolds clarified: "These things change over time they are looking to put in a revised planning applications."
The upcoming plans are set to include the refurbishment of a footpath encircling the area, which could become part of a new cycle route. She added: "I think they are looking at improving access as well."
Committee vice-chairman and lay member John Brautigam expressed concern, stating: "There is a risk stated in the report that there is a skills deficit for the jobs that would be needed there. What is being done about that?".
Ms Reynolds responded that they have a massive programme to attract people into the world of engineering. She explained: "They have been conducting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) sessions with Year Six pupils, reaching out to all of the local schools, providing training and sparking interest among young people in the types of skills that will be required for the future operation of such a site.
"We don't anticipate the site to be operational until 2030 so we're talking five years.
"They have also been working diligently with the Welsh and UK Government on any individuals that will be displaced as part of the steelworks ceasing.
"They have been re-training local people in the rail industry so they can assume positions in the future."
Mr Brautigam responded: "Thank you I'm glad to hear there is some activity in that direction anyway."
Committee chairwoman and lay member Lynne Hamilton suggested that another report on the development should be presented to the committee in the future to ensure that the council's risks are being "managed appropriately,".
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