Christina Rees MP has welcomed news that the Welsh Labour Government, working in partnership with Neath Port Talbot and Powys Councils, have confirmed a £50 million capital funding loan to be made available for the Global Centre of Rail Excellence. The Centre will be located on the site of Nant Helen open cast mine and coal washery in Onllwyn.
The formal planning application, which will be submitted this week, will propose a purpose-built, modern railway infrastructure, systems and rolling stock test and validation complex. The facility is hoped to act as a driver for accelerated rail industry innovation, investment and growth in Wales.
Christina Rees MP said:
“We know how hard our community has been hit by the economic damage caused by the pandemic. It’s fantastic to see such investment from the Welsh Labour Government in Neath, in a project that will bring employment and innovation to the area.
“We are an area that has historically driven the UK’s innovation and industrial prowess, and I am pleased to see something of that heritage returning, and a legacy being left beyond coal. There is a lot of confidence behind this project and I am pleased to see co-operation between our council and Powys as well as the Welsh Labour Government that will drive Wales’ recovery and help us regenerate our communities.”
