An initiative which aims to launch economic co-operation between South Wales and South West England made progress yesterday with the launch of a website and prospectus explaining the cross-border project.
The ‘Western Gateway’ project, launched by ministers in November 2019, plans to boost local economies through increasing co-operation on both sides of the Severn.
The UK Government hopes that the initiative will encourage collaboration between eight cities, including Newport, Swansea, Cardiff, Bristol, and Bath, and hopefully rival other regions such as the Northern Powerhouse and the Midlands Engine.
Unlike other existing regions, the Western Gateway will deal with communities in two different countries, making it the first cross-border ‘powerhouse’.
Working with partners across the region, the initiative aims to deliver:
- Quicker, more frequent train services between Newport and Swansea
- Quicker, more frequent train services between Newport and Bristol
- Quicker, more frequent train services between Newport and London
- Western Gateway ‘smart tickets’, which would allow individuals to travel within the area during a ‘golden hour’
- Upgrades to the M4 to tackle congestion and boost capacity
- Electric charging points along the M4
Councillor Jane Mudd, Leader of Newport City Council, said: "Newport has an important and strategic role to play in such a partnership given our pivotal position in this powerhouse.
“There is strength in numbers and the Western Gateway will have significant influence on a national stage that can only benefit the regions and its participants."
Katherine Bennett CBE, chair of the Western Gateway, said : “The proposal we’ve put on the table is one that will deliver the economic boost the region requires to maximise its potential.
"Our prospectus provides an insight into the journey we are undertaking together as a partnership of businesses and authorities, determined to deliver growth from Swansea to Swindon and Cheltenham to Weston.”
You can read the prospectus and find out more about the initiative by visiting www.western-gateway.co.uk .
