Mid Wales Economic Advisory Group aims to boost regional development

Elan Valley Visitor Centre near Rhayader hosted the first meeting between the Growing Mid Wales Economic Advisory Group (EAG) and leaders of Ceredigion and Powys County Councils

The meeting was held to discuss the Mid Wales Growth Deal’s strategic initiatives and collaboration on advancing regional economic growth.

Elan Valley Lakes Project is the first Mid Wales project advancing to the final stage of business case development to unlock growth deal funding. Representatives of Welsh Water/ Dŵr Cymru, project developers, outlined the proposals before leading a tour around the site.

The £21.7 million project includes plans to redevelop and expand Elan Valley Visitor Centre overlooking Caban Coch Dam, a hub for water sports and events, new tourism accommodation, including glamping pods, upgrading footpaths and bike trails, woodland conservation management and green energy supply links from a hydro mains ring.

The EAG, an independent body for Growing Mid Wales Board, comprises business leaders with expertise relevant to the region. The growth deal is a capital funding programme investing in large-scale infrastructure projects to support regional economic growth.

Steve Lesbirel, EAG chair, said: “We now have a full group consisting of entrepreneurial industry leaders and we look forward together with a passion to help drive the Mid Wales economy forward.

“Our group plays a key role in providing a strategic and constructive challenge to strengthen proposals and advise on new opportunities for the Growing Mid Wales Board to consider.”

Councillor James Gibson-Watt, Powys County Council leader and Councillor Bryan Davies, Ceredigion County Council leader, are co-chairs of Growing Mid Wales Board.

“We are delighted to work closely with regional business leaders to provide a voice for their sector and share strategic and constructive responses for the Mid Wales Growth Deal,” they said.

“The growth deal is entering an exciting stage of development which sees programmes and projects moving into the delivery phase. We therefore need to ensure business representatives help us to strengthen and challenge the portfolio to have maximum impact on the Mid Wales economy.”

For more information about EAG members visit: www.growingmid.wales/EAG .