Christina Rees, MP for Neath, has written to the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to urge him to support the development of the Global Centre of Rail Excellence in Wales.
The Welsh Government project, with the support of Neath Port Talbot Council and Powys County Council, is set to include the construction of a rail test track for rolling stock and infrastructure as well as speed testing, a storage and decommissioning facility, and a training and research centre.
Christina Rees MP said:
“This project is a fantastic opportunity for innovation and investment in rail both in Wales and in the UK and I am calling on the UK Government to designate the site and project as the preferred option for a strategic UK facility. Boris Johnson and his colleagues talk about levelling up and investing in the whole of the UK – this is their opportunity to put their money where their mouth is.”
The project has entered the third stage of the planning process and public consultation for the full rail infrastructure works is beginning. The intention of the project is not only to provide jobs in an area badly in need of some regeneration and investment, but also to contribute to wider UK goals around climate change, transport performance and efficiency, and investment in infrastructure projects with a clear economic impact.
Christina added:
“There will be huge benefits for communities in my constituency and others in the surrounding areas, bringing well paid, highly skilled jobs to the area. It’s time for the UK Government to play its part in supporting the project so that we can get to work and support rail development for the whole of the UK.”
