Newtown advanced manufacturing centre and business park moves forward with land deal

Plans for a major advanced manufacturing centre and business park on the edge of Newtown have moved forward after Powys County Council agreed a deal to buy land for the project.

The council is purchasing 14 hectares next to Newtown College from NPTC Group of Colleges to develop what will be known as CymruTech Park on Llanidloes Road. The site is intended to become a hub for advanced manufacturing, innovation and skills, serving businesses across Mid Wales.

The proposed development will combine a new Advanced Manufacturing Centre with flexible, high quality business units for companies looking to expand or relocate to the area. Council leaders say it is designed to support engineering and manufacturing firms and strengthen links with research and innovation activity locally.

Powys County Council will now work with partners including the Mid Wales Growth Deal to secure capital funding. Consultants BIC Innovation are helping develop the specifications for both the manufacturing centre and the wider park.

The project is expected to deliver more than 400 new jobs and add around £100 million in economic output to the regional economy if completed. It will still need planning permission. Asbri Planning is due to carry out a pre application consultation before a formal application is submitted.

Councillor Glyn Preston, cabinet member for a more prosperous Powys, said the scheme could be transformative for the area.

“This development will have a massive impact on Mid Wales,” he said. “By positioning the upper Severn valley as a hub for innovation, high value manufacturing, and sustainable industry, we believe we will unlock long term economic, social, and environmental benefits for the region.

“This project directly supports our long term ambitions for boosting the area’s mid sized manufacturing and engineering firms and providing more well paid employment for local people.”

Manufacturing businesses across Powys and Ceredigion have been consulted on what they need from the centre through work with the Mid Wales Manufacturing Group.

Ceri Stephens, group manager for the Mid Wales Manufacturing Group, said: “Securing the site for CymruTech Park is a landmark moment for Mid Wales. It paves the way for cutting edge manufacturing, innovation, and skills development that will create real opportunities for our businesses, our young people, and our communities.

“It will give young engineers and apprentices the skills and opportunities they need to thrive here in Mid Wales, and provide world class facilities that help our manufacturers innovate, grow, and compete.”

Plans for the Advanced Manufacturing Centre include specialist equipment for later stage product development, training and apprenticeship provision, research and prototyping space, technical support for businesses, and conference and meeting facilities.

The park will also include a new Green Skills Academy being developed by NPTC Group of Colleges on land it is retaining next to the college. It will focus on renewable energy, low carbon construction, alternative fuels and emerging green technologies, and is expected to support between 150 and 200 learners each year.

Mark Dacey, chief executive of NPTC Group of Colleges, said: “A multi disciplinary business park next to a college provides the perfect opportunity for jobs growth alongside bespoke training. A real opportunity to impact positively on the economy in Mid Wales, and a real opportunity for our youth, who will be the industrialists of the future.

“We are very pleased to be playing a key role in supporting this opportunity for Newtown and Mid Wales.”

The outline business case for the project is due to be considered by the Growing Mid Wales Board in July.

Businesses interested in moving to or expanding in Newtown and potentially locating at CymruTech Park are being invited to submit their details to the council. Questions about economic development in Powys can be sent to economicdevelopment@powys.gov.uk.