5. Will the First Minister make a statement on regeneration plans in South Wales West? OAQ52751

Welsh Government regeneration investment supports schemes that create jobs, enhance skills and employability, and deliver the right environment for businesses to grow and thrive and ensure that prosperity is spread to all parts of Wales.

First Minister, as we've discussed in this Chamber on numerous occasions, the Swansea bay tidal lagoon has the potential to not only help us in Wales to increase our renewable energy generation, but also to provide a much needed boost to the economy of the whole of south-west Wales. There's been talk of Welsh Government investment, and a taskforce has been established by Swansea bay city region to look at this in greater depth. However, in terms of ownership models, will you confirm whether the Welsh Government would consider creating a Welsh energy company to take this project forward, when are you expecting the taskforce to conclude its work, and when do you envisage making a decision on your Government's role in this whole scheme? 

The first thing that has to be established is the market, and particularly, of course, the strike price. These things are hugely important in terms of determining the viability of the project. What the UK Government didn't do was look at the contract for difference and the strike price in terms of making the lagoon viable; it decided it would pay more money for other forms of energy. So, the first thing that has to be established is the market—there is a way of doing that, by working with local authorities and others. I know that Swansea city council is looking at alternative ways of funding the lagoon, and we want to see what those ideas are, of course, and we will work with them if there is a viable project that can move forward, after the UK Government's unwelcome decision. That is something that we will continue to work with them on. 

Well, both Swansea and Cardiff, of course, are benefiting from some regeneration work at the moment, not least through the city deal, but Bridgend, as you know, is on the very edge of the city deal footprint for Cardiff. While Bridgend taxpayers are handing over £11 million or more for the project, residents are starting to ask me now where's the benefit in it for them, and they're asking in Porthcawl as well. Specifically, they're asking: does Welsh Government expect further investment in Bridgend train station or the long-promised Brackla train station? And do you think that the city deal should be regeneration Bridgend town centre, not just the city centres? It may be the catalyst for that partial de-pedestrianisation that, as you know, traders are very keen to see happen. 

Well, first of all, Bridgend railway station's only just been refurbished, of course, as she will know, and very well. There was a real problem there with congestion when trains were coming in and passengers not being able to get through the gates, so that's very much welcome. In terms of the town itself, Vibrant and Viable Places has had an impact on the town. The redevelopment of the Rhiw car park into what is now a gym, a car park and residential accommodation—that will bring more people living in the town and so providing the footfall the town needs in the day and in the evening. We have the business improvement district as well that I know has been welcomed by town traders. Indeed, in fairness, there are a number of events now happening in the town centre that are drawing people in, and that's something I very much welcome.

She does mention the partial de-pedestrianisation. It is something, personally, that I support, but only that bit, because I remember what the town was like when there was traffic. I think properly done, it's possible to have a route through the town that doesn't cause danger to others, that doesn't let people linger either, in car parking spaces, but allows people to stop, collect and go—or stop, drop off and go—and I know that's something the council are keen to do and are looking to develop a bid in order to do so. 

First Minister, obviously economic regeneration depends on many issues in the seven constituencies across South Wales West, including Aberavon. Transport is a big issue to ensure that we can attract businesses and bring investment in. Now, there's been a report to the Welsh Government on the M4 pollution matters that gives a proposal to the Welsh Government to consider closing junction 41. The last time it did that, there was traffic chaos in my constituency and that would not attract businesses to come because that chaos happened at peak times and would cause huge disruption to businesses. Can you reaffirm the position given by the Cabinet Secretary two years ago to actually keep that road open and that the Welsh Government will not close junction 41 and put the traffic chaos back again for the people of Port Talbot? 

Well, this is a matter that's still, I believe, under consultation. Of course, as happened last time around, there will be full consideration given to the comments that people make.