Scheme will free up 210 hectares of brownfield land

The cash will be used to complete the second phase of a major transport route in Neath Port Talbot, Wales, ‘creating hundreds of jobs’, deputy first minister Ieuan Wyn Jones announced today (September 6).

The funding will be used for building a 4.8 kilometre link to the M4 at junction 38 into Port Talbot and the docks, serving as a link to West Wales.

As well as linking the UK motorway network, the trunk road network and mainland Europe, creating up to 600 jobs during the 33 month construction phase.

The final phase of the scheme will connect previously completed phases and make available up to 210 hectares of mainly brownfield land for development of SMEs and other industry with access to European markets, creating employment opportunities and regeneration.

Access to Port Talbot Docks and Deep Water Harbour will be improved, creating opportunities for transfer of freight from road to sea, increased shipping activity and waterfront development.

Leader of Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council, Ali Thomas, said: “This is excellent news for Neath Port Talbot.

“This strategic road will provide an attractive gateway to the town and open up development opportunities along our waterfront area, in particular the Harbourside and Port Talbot Town centre regeneration areas.

“It will benefit our local communities, visitors and businesses alike, and attract new investment and employment opportunities, not only during the construction period, but for generations to come.

“It will also improve access to local amenities and leisure facilities within the borough, bolstering the county’s already expanding tourism economy.”

Luke Walsh