Wrexham Gateway partners report “positive discussions with Wrexham AFC as a key delivery partner”
More positivity has emerged around the ‘Gateway’ project, that includes a Kop stand redevelopment, despite the recent funding blow.
As we have previously reported the ‘Levelling Up’ bid for the Wrexham Gateway project has been rejected by UK Government for a second time.
A joint statement has been issued this lunchtime, that reads “Wrexham Gateway partnership – which includes the strategic partners Wrexham County Borough Council acting as the lead accountable body, Welsh Government, Transport for Wales and Wrexham Glyndwr University – has started positive discussions with Wrexham AFC as a key delivery partner about the funding of the western side of the Wrexham Gateway after the negative Levelling Up Fund decision.
“These discussions will continue over the coming weeks.”
On Wednesday we reported similar from the Senedd floor, where Clwyd South MS Ken Skates asked, “I’d be very grateful for a statement on the status of the Wrexham Gateway project in light of the failure by the UK Government to support the scheme through the levelling-up bid process.
“This is a hugely important scheme for North Wales. It was conceived by Welsh Government; it’s backed by Welsh Government, by the local authority, by the university and by the football club, but sadly not by UK Government as yet. The people of the region would very much appreciate an update on where the project stands and confirmation that the Welsh Government continues to support the Wrexham Gateway project, both in terms of administrative support and, of course, with financial support too?”
Wrexham’s MS Lesley Griffiths answered in her capacity as Trefnydd, “It was certainly very disappointing that, for the second time, the levelling-up bid by, as you mentioned, a group of partners in the Wrexham Gateway partnership was rejected by the UK Government.
“I, obviously, declare an interest as the constituency Member, and it certainly went down very badly with Wrexham’s residents, because the gateway partnership, and the project, is such an important aspect of the ambitions for the new city.125
“I know that Welsh Government officials met with the Wrexham Gateway partnership last week, following the news that the bid had been rejected. They agreed unanimously that the commitment to deliver the Wrexham Gateway project remains resolute, and that, obviously, includes Welsh Government, and alternative funding options would be looked at in relation to the Kop part of the development.
“Those discussions are ongoing with Wrexham Association Football Club.
“I know a further meeting is to take place between the club and the partnership this week. Obviously, there are other very important elements of Wrexham Gateway, and they will continue to be considered as the project progresses.”
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