North Wales News

[SteveH]

Maybe every town needs a couple of Hollywood stars to help regeneration 

The UK Government is to relocate more than 300 roles from London to Wrexham. The Government has pledged to move 22,000 positions out of the UK capital by 2027.

As part of this they said the city in North Wales will get extra roles in the DWP and the Ministry of Justice departments. They said it demonstrated their commitment to 'levelling-up.

This could bring an estimated economic benefit of around ?9m due to additional spending in the area.

Welsh Secretary David TC Davies said: "More than 300 jobs moving to Wrexham is fantastic news for the economy of north east Wales. It shows once again the UK Government?s commitment to improving how services are delivered to the public while bringing greater opportunity and jobs to areas across the country.

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/uk-government-relocate-more-300-28271268

[SteveH]

Six developments that can drive the North Wales economy in 2024
From a new hotel to service stations and business units

Spiralling costs have seriously impacted development plans in recent years and seen some developers go bust. Prices are now starting to stabilise and it is hoped this will give companies the confidence to push on with investment plans in 2024.

There are a number of developments in the pipeline that can help kickstart the North Wales economy over the year. They range from a new hotel to housing and business units - with hopes they will bring new jobs to the area.

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/six-developments-can-drive-north-28322230?IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589

[SteveH]

Bangor based developer Watkin Jones plunged to a ?42.5m pre-tax loss over the last year due to building safety remedial works and restructuring but remains confident about the future. The costs set aside for cladding remediation wiped out ?35m, while a further ?3.1m charge was made against an internal restructure.

They were also hit with additional build costs on a scheme in Exeter, where the third-party main contractor went into liquidation while build cost inflation also reduced the margin on some schemes during the year.

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/north-wales-developer-watkin-jones-28500430

[SteveH]

Rhyl Air Show cancelled for 2024 due to Red Arrows decision                      ref DP
It follows the announcement of the Red Arrows 60th season anniversary international tour this Summer

"Unfortunately, we have been informed that they will be away on an international tour over the summer, and unavailable for UK displays. With the programme already subject to scrutiny over recent years, we believe the Red Arrows to be irreplaceable, and that their loss would inevitably lead to criticism of the Air Show. We have concluded that it would be impossible for DLL to deliver a show in keeping with the proud tradition of the Rhyl Air Show, which also meets public expectations, but we will come back in 2025 stronger."

[SteveH]

Serious Fraud Office raids development group that wanted to turn hospital into asylum-themed hotel
The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has today raided three residences and made four arrests in Merseyside and Greater Manchester

The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has today raided three residences and made four arrests in Merseyside and Greater Manchester as it announced it is investigating Signature Group. The group attracted over a thousand UK and international investors in the redevelopment of iconic landmarks including Belfast?s Scottish Mutual Building and the Coal Exchange in Cardiff.

They had also attempted to buy up the old North Wales Hospital in Denbigh and turn it into an asylum-themed hotel complex. This later collapsed as Denbighshire council looked elsewhere for its investment partner in its bid to bring the site back to life.

The Signature Group operated for over seven years, buying up predominantly historic buildings within the UK for redevelopment into luxury hotels, residential apartments and office spaces. Investors loaned money to Signature or purchased a hotel room, apartment or office space in one of the group?s properties, with promised returns on their investment of between 8% and 15%. The business collapsed into administration with losses of up to ?140 million.

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/serious-fraud-office-raids-development-28675573


PS
Millions of pounds in funds to redevelop former North Wales asylum gets initial approval
Growth Deal funding moves a step closer with approval of the outline business case

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/millions-pounds-funds-redevelop-former-28614541

[SteveH]

All good projects, but 20.8 million pounds ?......................                       ref pioneer

WELSH Government is investing ?20.8million in north Wales to improve public transport and encourage economic growth, the cabinet secretary for North Wales and transport, Ken Skates, has said.

As part of Wales? Transport Strategy, the support includes funding for active travel and safe routes, road safety, electric vehicle charging facilities, road resilience, transport and adopted roads. 

In North Wales, ?20.8m will be invested in projects such as:

Improving walking and cycling connections to Llandudno railway station.

A safer route to walk, scoot and cycle to Ysgol Treffynnon and Ysgol Maes Y Felin in Holywell.

An active travel route connecting Holyhead railway station and ferry terminal with Penrhos employment and retail sites, the leisure

centre, Parc Cybi and Trearddur Bay.

Support the Sherpa?r Wyddfa bus service in Eryri. 

Mr Skates said: ?These grants are a substantial investment to support sustainable local economic growth, enhance public transport facilities and create and improve routes that will enable and encourage more people in Wales to walk, wheel and cycle.

?The projects are prime examples of the practical solutions we have asked local authorities to design in order to make it easier for residents to connect with their places of employment and businesses, and to do so more sustainably.?

This funding also builds on allocations which have been made to different phases of some projects in previous years.