Our project is now fully focused on the preferred Onllwyn/Nant Helen site in the Dulais valley, and has undergone a number of engineering iterations in recent months to inform the evolving master plan. The current proposals, which will be subject to further research, environmental impact assessment studies and consultation, include: an approximate 7 km of electrified test oval, providing a maximum line speed of 110 mph; a separate and unique infrastructure test track facility incorporating a platform and station environment; a large, well-equipped maintenance facility; secure storage for 400 rail carriages; a decommissioning facility; and a research and development and education centre, which will include labs, office space and training facilities in a dynamic environment away from the operational network.

While a phased approach may be a prudent option in due course, with some of the many integrated elements delivered on a more advanced timetable than others, this circa £100 million facility would employ around 400 people in the construction phase, and upwards of 150 people permanently when fully operational in all aspects. It's worth noting, Dirprwy Llywydd, that Germany’s leading test facility, though established 20 years ago, is now employing 500 permanent staff and another 100 visiting engineers working on specific projects. In short, the added catalytic potential and future opportunities are considerable.

I've always said that we will need strong partners in the public and private sectors to deliver this project, and I'd like to refer to them both today. I'm delighted to announce that the strong and supportive informal working relationship between Welsh Government and the neighbouring local authorities of Powys and Neath Port Talbot has been formalised in a joint venture agreement. The purpose is clear: to work in partnership to deliver a future beyond coaling operations that allows an appropriately restored site—a statutory requirement overseen by local government—together with a site that is eventually acquired on the basis that it is suitably prepared for the construction of a test facility. This will clearly and obviously require an agreed way forward with the current landowner, Celtic Energy. Initial technical discussions are under way, and I have been advised that those discussions are positive and constructive on all sides.

Welsh Government and its JVA partners are also working in partnership to develop and submit a formal planning application for the project. Considerable work has already been undertaken, and environmental impact surveys have been commissioned. I'm advised that a formal planning application should be ready for submission by the end of this calendar year or early in 2020. We will, of course, be consulting widely with the local community and other stakeholders on the proposals prior to the planning submission.

I'd like to thank our local authority partners for their efforts to date, and to encourage them to re-double their efforts, working alongside Welsh Government through the next phase of project development.

Elsewhere in the public sector there is great interest in and support for our project plans. For example, within Network Rail, the infrastructure testing capacity that could be delivered in Wales is a particular focus of positive and ongoing dialogue. I'd note that Network Rail has a significant programme of research and development planned between 2019 and 2024, and we are seeking to engage with Network Rail to bring a significant part of that programme to the GCRE.

I'm also pleased to report that both the UK Rail Research and Innovation Network and Innovate UK are keen to see our ambition realised, with opportunities here for very considerable added-value partnerships and synergies with universities within Wales and the wider UK.

Dirprwy Llywydd, I've also written to the Secretary of State for Transport, and also the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, asking for their support. The GCRE is closely aligned with UK Government as well as Welsh Government policy objectives, not least the aims of the very recently published 'Industrial Strategy: Rail Sector Deal', which sets out to:

'transform the rail sector by taking actions to increase the use of digital technology, boost productivity, improve the service received by those who use our railways and build the skills of the UK workforce to capitalise on those opportunities.'

This is precisely what GCRE will hasten, and it is the rail industry that is saying so.

Throughout 2019, the project team has also been engaged in an extensive process of private sector industry engagement and soft market testing. Response from the rail industry has been almost universally positive. A number of major rail companies, based both in the UK and internationally, have expressed strong interest in joining the partnership and the project as partners or as investors. This project will not be realised without a robust partnership effort with the industry. Officials are now considering the most appropriate way to formalise a partnership approach across the rail industry that will enable the project to draw on the best expertise available.

The focus here initially will be the necessary task of further refining the focus of a core business case and ensuring that all opportunities are grasped effectively. If we are successful in this effort, and there can be no guarantees at this stage, the financial, commercial, capital and operational equation will become clearly defined and, hopefully, compelling.

So, my message to the rail industry and all of our stakeholders today is a simple one. Thank you for your positive engagement to this point. Agree with me now that the many years of circular discussions should end here. It's time to move beyond a status quo of mend and make do. A global centre of rail excellence here in Wales is the best opportunity in a generation to deliver an international asset here in the UK that will deliver immense benefits to the rail industry for decades to come. Importantly, for the people of Wales, this is an opportunity to create high-quality employment and to rejuvenate the local economy. Continue to work with us and let’s make this happen together.