The North Wales Corporate Joint Committee met to discuss a range of issues affecting North Wales, including the progress of the North Wales Growth Deal, plans for a new A55 Expressway, and a proposal to create a new freeport in Holyhead. The committee voted to approve the business case for the freeport and to submit it to the UK Government.

North Wales Freeport

The committee discussed a proposal to create a freeport in Holyhead. The proposal, which has been developed by Stena Line in partnership with the Welsh Government, would see the creation of a new freeport zone around the port of Holyhead. The UK Government has committed to creating 12 new freeports across the UK.

Freeports are a key part of the UK Government's 'levelling up' agenda and aim to promote economic growth and regeneration in deprived areas. The committee heard from representatives of Stena Line and the Welsh Government, who outlined the benefits of the proposed freeport. These included the creation of new jobs, increased investment, and the regeneration of the Holyhead area. The committee voted to approve the business case for the freeport and to submit it to the UK Government.

North Wales Growth Deal

The committee received an update on the progress of the North Wales Growth Deal. The growth deal is a £1 billion investment programme that aims to boost the economy of North Wales.

The growth deal is funded by the UK Government, the Welsh Government, and the private sector. It is being delivered by a partnership of local authorities, businesses, and other stakeholders. The committee heard that the growth deal is making good progress, with a number of projects already underway. These include:

• The development of a new enterprise zone at Parc Menai
• The construction of a new A55 Expressway
• The expansion of Bangor University
• The creation of a new digital hub in Wrexham

A55 Expressway

The committee received an update on the plans for a new A55 Expressway. The proposed expressway would run from Bangor to Chester and would provide a major boost to the North Wales economy.

The Welsh Government is currently carrying out a feasibility study into the proposed expressway. The committee heard that the feasibility study is ongoing and is expected to be completed in 2025. Councillors raised concerns about the potential impact of the expressway on the environment and on local communities. The Chair of the committee said: We are committed to working with the Welsh Government to ensure that the proposed expressway is delivered in a way that benefits the whole of North Wales.

Other business

The committee also discussed a number of other issues, including:

• The development of a new regional transport strategy
• The impact of climate change on North Wales
• The provision of affordable housing in North Wales.