Designed to accelerate innovation, attract investment and create thousands of high-value jobs, the programme, which is funded by the UK Government and supported by the Welsh Government, will build on the region's internationally recognised compound semiconductor cluster, unlocking new opportunities for businesses, communities and talent across South East Wales.
The programme is expected to attract more than £500 million of private sector investment over the next decade, create up to 4,000 high-skilled jobs and unlock significant new research, development and advanced manufacturing space.
Developed in partnership with Cardiff Council and Newport City Council, as well as Cardiff University, the programme establishes a shared vision for regional growth, helping to position South East Wales as one of Europe's most competitive locations for innovation-led businesses.
Cllr Dimitri Batrouni, Leader of Newport City Council said, “Cardiff Capital Region’s Investment Zone represents a landmark opportunity to accelerate growth, innovation and prosperity across South East Wales.
“While focused within Newport and Cardiff's travel to work area, its benefits will be felt across all ten local authorities through new investment, stronger supply chains, enhanced skills provision and high-value employment opportunities.”
Cllr Chris Weaver, Leader of Cardiff Council added, “Cardiff, Newport, and the wider Cardiff Capital Region are already driving innovation in sectors that will shape the future economy, from semiconductors and advanced manufacturing to cyber security, creative industries, and digital technologies.
“The £160 million Investment Zone programme gives us a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build on those strengths and attract hundreds of millions of private sector investment: supporting businesses to grow and innovate, attracting investment, and compete on a global stage. Crucially, this can help create thousands of jobs, and make our region more prosperous, resilient, and help drive growth for decades to come.”
The Investment Zone activity is already delivering impact. CCR has supported a range of early initiatives to strengthen the regional technology ecosystem, including investment in infrastructure, targeted skills interventions and programmes designed to deepen local supply chains and increase business competitiveness.
This year saw the landmark tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Cardiff Capital Region, the UK Government, and the Welsh Government signed. The Rt Hon Stephen Kinnock MP, Secretary of State for Wales, said, “This UK Government Investment Zone will be an engine room for high-tech industry and innovation - driving new jobs and opportunities into communities across South East Wales.
“It will build on the talent and expertise already on show in the region, supporting the development of a highly skilled workforce capable of meeting industry demand long into the future.”
Looking ahead to the long-term impact of the programme, Adam Price MS, Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy said, “The launch of the Cardiff Capital Region Investment Zone marks a defining moment for South East Wales. By bringing together business, academia and government around our world-leading semiconductor cluster, we're turning opportunity into delivery and creating high-skilled jobs, unlocking major investment, and building a sustainable, innovative future economy for the region.
“The Investment Zone is the result of sustained partnership working and will be key to helping us boost growth, improve productivity, strengthen supply chain resilience, and ensure that public investment helps unlock private sector confidence.”
A £4 million skills programme is now open for delivery partners to come forward and will play an important role in supporting workforce development, helping local people access high-value careers.
Professor Wendy Larner, President and Vice-Chancellor of Cardiff University, reflected, “I am exceptionally proud of Cardiff University’s role as a co-signatory and anchor institution in the South-East Wales Investment Zone. South-East Wales is at a strategic inflection point, and we are delivering active, dynamic, high-impact research that will generate tangible, sustainable, and inclusive economic and social renewal across the region.
“We look forward to working with Cardiff Capital Region and our partners to enable a just transition and support our small but mighty nation to flourish.”
For more information on the Investment Zone and its priorities, visit www.cardiffcapitalregion.gov.uk
