A major boost for economic growth across Anglesey and North Wales has been confirmed as £25 million in seed capital is released to launch seven key projects forming the foundation of the new Anglesey Freeport.
The investment follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Welsh Government, UK Government, Isle of Anglesey County Council, and Stena Line UK, formalising how the freeport will operate, be governed and delivered. The MoU unlocks the first tranche of funding jointly committed by the UK and Welsh governments.
The seven funded projects will focus on preparing the freeport’s designated tax sites for significant private‑sector investment. They include:
- Road access upgrades to improve connectivity
- Energy infrastructure improvements to support advanced manufacturing and clean energy growth
- Site remediation works to make land development‑ready
- Enhanced facilities at the Menai Science Park (M‑SParc) to support innovation and high‑tech sectors
Collectively, the package aims to attract inward investment, strengthen local supply chains and create new, high‑quality employment opportunities across the island and region.
Anglesey Freeport, like other freeports across the UK, offers businesses tax reliefs and customs incentives, designed to encourage development, innovation and export‑focused growth. The freeport’s strategic priorities, including nuclear energy and digital technology, align with wider North Wales economic ambitions.
Today’s announcement builds on significant recent commitments to the region:
- The government’s approval of a new Wylfa nuclear reactor, marking one of the UK’s most important energy developments
- The designation of a North Wales AI Growth Zone, powering investment in cutting‑edge digital technology and data‑driven innovation
Anglesey Freeport is expected to play a key role in harnessing opportunities across both the clean energy and digital sectors, further cementing the region’s position as a hub for 21st‑century industry.
Welsh Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said:
“This £25 million investment demonstrates our government’s commitment to securing Anglesey’s economic future and ensuring the benefits of major UK and Welsh Labour Government decisions are felt here on the island.
“By putting critical infrastructure in place now, we are positioning Anglesey to take full advantage of the Freeport, the renewed momentum at Wylfa, and the opportunities of the North Wales AI Growth Zone.
“This is a clear message: we are backing Welsh communities with the tools they need to compete, to attract high quality jobs, and to shape the industries that will define the economy of the future.”
The £25 million seed funding represents the first phase of the Freeport’s development, with further investment expected as the tax sites become ready for private‑sector activity.
With the MoU now in place and core enabling works funded, Anglesey Freeport is set to ignite a new era of opportunity for communities across the island and beyond.
Image credit: iStock
