Blaenau Gwent Enterprise Zones
The Urbanists were approached by Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council to prepare an advocacy document that supported the designation of an Enterprise Zone in the area, and acted as the basis of an application from the council to Welsh Government.
To achieve this we explored the justifi cation for locating a Zone within Blaenau Gwent from the perspective of the economic benefi ts that would be delivered to one of Wales’ poorest regions, but also within the context of the specifi c opportunities that Blaenau Gwent offers. As part of the research process we spoke with local business leaders to identify expert opinion on the impact that an Enterprise Zone could deliver.
Prominent themes that emerged within the report were the manner in which the area had demonstrated resilience in responding to economic challenges; the presence of creative private enterprise; the areas strong strategic location; and the potential for signifi cant investment from the automotive industry.
Following submission, the document was agreed by the Council and forwarded to Welsh Government as part of the application for designation. Following government deliberation, Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council was successfully awarded an Enterprise Zone based around the automotive industry.
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