Bridge to the future

Public and private sector investments close to £100 million are driving forward regeneration on Anglesey and Holyhead. In particular integrated regeneration projects, supported by a forward thinking local authority are enabling excellent investment opportunities to be delivered on the island.

Anglesey is an EU Convergence area and as a result of this maximises significant grant aid packages from Europe and the Welsh Assembly Government. These funds have provided additional opportunities for private investment in land and property.

Ongoing developments include town centre redevelopment, transport and infrastructure improvements, business and retail park developments, port access and waterfront developments.

High profile projects include business parks at Penrhos and Ty Mawr for manufacturing, high tech and knowledge based businesses, hotel, leisure, crèche and roadside fast food restaurants. Retail parks are expanding together with the £6.2 million stainless steel Celtic Gateway Bridge.

The facilities at the port are being improved, providing major road and rail links to Ireland and Europe. A new civil air flight has been established between Holyhead and Cardiff, which has been very successful in helping to create an environment which will aid economic growth on the Island. This type of operation is the first of its kind in Wales and is the culmination of a partnership between the Isle of Anglesey County Council, Welsh Assembly Government and Royal Air Force.

Anglesey’s status as a Wales’ premier cruise ship port will also receive a further boost this year with three visits from the Grand Princess. This huge modern luxury ship carries 2,650 passengers and 1,500 crew, and will be the largest cruise ship to visit Holyhead to date. Its increasing number of visits clearly shows a vote of confidence in the area’s tourism product, the port facilities and County Council. Consequently plans are in development to build a new cruise ship terminal in deep water to attract a greater number of ships in the future.

To ensure that Anglesey is globally competitive, improving communication systems is also vital to the future prosperity of the Island. The issue of broadband availability and access has been a increasing concern in recent years. Project ideas are currently being looked at to overcome these barriers whilst building on the successful ‘ Anglesey Connected’ project.

The new Trac Mon is one of the most exciting and significant developments in British Motor Sport this millennium. As a result of EU Objective One funding, the old track has been reconfigured and facilities upgraded. The track is now able to host major international motor racing events on the Island, offering amazing challenges for local and international competitors, as well as action and entertainment for spectators. This investment by the private sector, will undoubtedly help put the Island’s unique recreation and tourism amenities on the map.

Anglesey also offers a diverse and wide ranging recreation opportunities such as the sea, lakes, boating, sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking, diving, fishing, bird watching, walking, cycling and 9 golf courses.
With 125 miles of glorious coastline and located in an Area of Outstanding Natural beauty there are opportunities to explore beaches, lakes, cliffs. There are Iron Age and Roman Forts, castles and the unique culture and heritage of the Welsh Language.

As discussed exciting projects are in the pipeline with the new EU Convergence funding for 2007-2013 and this is expected to significantly boost economic regeneration. The Celtic Gateway is seen as the bridge to the future which will assist in stimulating new investments on the Island for future generations.