Both Anglesey Council and Stena Line have thanked partners and stakeholders for their support in securing Freeport status for the island.
The UK and Welsh Governments earlier this year confirmed that the Anglesey Freeport was one of two new freeports established in Wales.
The successful bid was jointly developed through an equal partnership between Anglesey Council and Stena Line – owners of Holyhead Port and major local employer for 27 years.
Guests gathered at special community event at Holyhead Port on Friday to hear a personal word of thanks from Anglesey Chief Executive, Dylan J Williams, and Stena Line’s Head of UK Port Authorities, Ian Davies.
Dylan J. Williams said, “I’m enormously proud of the way in which local representatives, stakeholder organisations, elected members and the wider community of the Island and North Wales have united behind Anglesey Freeport. Thanks to their support, we now have an enormous opportunity to create a freeport which can deliver for the people of North Wales, provide employment and support the growth and success of our Energy Island Programme. We know there is much work to do, and we look forward to working together to ensure Anglesey Freeport reaches its full potential.”
Ian Davies, Head of UK Port Authorities at Stena Line, added, “On behalf of Stena Line I am delighted to welcome local representatives to Holyhead Port, and stress our gratitude for their support in ensuring Anglesey Freeport becomes a reality. Without the support of the community of Anglesey, this opportunity would simply not be possible, and I’m looking forward to continuing our close working relationship with local leaders as the Freeport heads towards the next stage of development.”
There was also a special word of thanks for both Virginia Crosbie MP and Rhun ap Iorwerth MS who championed the bid in Westminster and Cardiff.
Council Leader and Economic Development portfolio holder, Councillor Llinos Medi, said, “Securing Freeport status will be a driver in economic growth for Ynys Môn and indeed north Wales. We hope it will help create sustainable jobs and supply chain opportunities across the region.
“Too many of our young people have had to leave their communities to find decent jobs and a secure future. Hopefully, Freeport status will change the outcome for our young people.”
She added, “Securing Freeport status was the culmination of a great deal of hard work by our staff, Stena Line and many partners. I’d personally also like to thank them and the people of Ynys Môn and North Wales for supporting our successful bid.”
Securing Freeport status now has the potential to deliver real, transformational change in communities across Anglesey and the wider North Wales region. Both the county council and Stena Line are now in the process of preparing a full business case.
Freeports remove barriers to trade and provide easements that simplify how businesses can operate. According to initial modelling estimates, the freeport would attract £1bn of much-needed investment, including new, high-salary jobs across the region.
Ends 15 May 2023