Developing Businesses in Parc Bryn Cegin

Part of 1. Questions to the Minister for Economy and Transport – in the Senedd at 2:05 pm on 8 May 2019.

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Photo of Ken Skates Ken Skates Labour 2:05, 8 May 2019

Well, I'd like to say Mark Isherwood makes a very important point towards the end of his question about the role of business groups in informing economic development in north Wales, and I've been at pains to stress to the economic ambition board the crucial role that the private sector has in shaping a truly transformational growth deal and one that is backed up by private sector investment, and one that is able to leverage in more private sector investment as well. And so, whether it be with regard to Parc Bryn Cegin or any other of the sites and premises, or any other of the projects within the north Wales growth deal, I think it's absolutely essential that the economic ambition board, the programme board and my officials engage with the private sector and with the employers who, potentially, will be occupying the site.

The Member references a meeting that took place in December 2018 that included councillors of Gwynedd Council and also officers of Gwynedd Council, where Liberty noted that, if permitted, the incorporation of a discount food retailer into its proposal in lieu of some restaurant units would improve the scheme's viability. That was rejected. However, Liberty, as I say, have recently reported that it still has strong interest from one cinema operator and a number of restaurant operators as well, and it's reviewing other leisure sector options to support the viability of the project.