NORTH east Wales is set to benefit from a £1bn growth deal.

North Wales Economic Ambition Board is laying the foundations for a £1bn growth deal that will boost the economy and create up to 15,000 jobs over the next decade.

The seven strategic programmes included in the final North Wales Growth Bid are now in place, and members from the six local authorities, colleges, universities and private sector are putting the final touches to a 2019/20 timeline and work programme.

The programmes cover low carbon energy, advanced manufacturing, land-based industries (agriculture and tourism), land and property, skills and employment, digital connectivity, and strategic transport, and will have a positive impact on tens of thousands of households, businesses and organisations across the region.

The decision to pause development of the new nuclear power plant at Wylfa on Anglesey earlier this year was a blow to North Wales, and the Ambition Board has been in talks with the UK and Welsh Governments to determine the most positive course of action.

They are also pushing for £40million of further funding in addition to the £240million received from both governments last year and encouraging them to invest a larger capital sum to support an even bolder and more impactful Growth Deal.

And that deal will see more than 4,000 direct and 10,000 indirect jobs created, reinforced by £511m of private sector investment and £3.3bn of capital leveraged from the private sector, achieved as a result of the projects and programmes being delivered.

Past months saw the growth bid reach its climax and the Deal move forward with the backing of all North Wales councils, as well as Coleg Cambria, , Wrexham Glyndwr University, and the North Wales Mersey Dee (NWMD) Business Council.

Cllr Mark Pritchard, vice-chair of the Ambition Board and leader of Wrexham County Council, believes the next year will be crucial for the region’s economy.

He said: “The Growth Bid and subsequent deal are vital, but ultimately they are part of a much wider Growth Vision for North Wales.

“One of the most positive elements to the Ambition Board is the unity all six local authorities and other partners have shown in coming together for the Growth Bid.

“We will display that same togetherness in pushing for prosperity in every area of North Wales, with this Deal at the heart of that.”

The Growth Vision’s overarching aim is to increase the economy value to £26bn by 2035 from £13.6bn currently.

For more information on North Wales Economic Ambition Board and the programmes that make up the North Wales Growth Deal, visit the website: www.northwaleseab.co.uk