20 projects to bid for Growth Deal funding

There are 17 new schemes going forward for share of £51m

- By OWEN HUGHES Business Correspondent

AMBITION North Wales has announced a strong pipeline of new projects, which are being given the opportunity to bid for part of un-allocated Growth Deal funding in the future.

The move aims to accelerate regional growth through the delivery of sustainable economic projects across North Wales, which will generate jobs and align with environmental commitments.

Each potential new project, 16 confirmed - with a 17th subject to confirmation on scope, has been placed on a Reserve List. The projects must now produce Business Cases in order to secure part of the funding - which will be considered in terms of their impact for the region and how quickly they can move into delivery.

The Reserve List has been drawn up following a review of its own Growth Deal projects by Ambition North Wales - freeing up an initial £51m of funding, and a subsequent expression of interest process. Ambition North Wales partners, Welsh Government and UK Government were invited to put forward their priority public and private sector proposals for consideration.

The funding released by Ambition North Wales, following its portfolio review, was possible given its decision to withdraw two of its Growth Deal projects altogether, while moving three on to the new Reserve List - bringing the total number of schemes on the list to 20.