Wrexham councillors have received assurances that a multimillion-pound investment initiative will fulfil its commitment to generate 4,000 jobs across north Wales, even as the scheme has delivered only a fraction of that target so far.
The North Wales Growth Deal represents a £1bn investment package, with £240m provided by the UK and Welsh governments beginning in 2020. The partnership aims to secure an additional £730m in private-sector backing by 2036 to support transport, planning and economic development initiatives across the region.
At a scrutiny committee meeting, officials acknowledged that job creation remains well below target. Across seven projects currently underway, the scheme has generated 121 jobs to date—comprising 63 permanent positions and 58 construction roles. Councillor Andy Gallanders expressed frustration at the disparity, stating that while project reports demonstrated progress on business cases and procurement, the actual employment figures fell significantly short of ambitions.
When will jobs actually materialise?
Hedd Vaughan-Evans, a director for Ambition North Wales—the partnership encompassing the region's largest councils—acknowledged the gap but defended the timeline. He explained that employment numbers would "ramp up significantly over the next two to three years but the total figure will be achieved towards the end of the growth deal period." He attributed delays to the time required for investments to mature and to challenges encountered during the scheme's early years.
Vaughan-Evans noted that construction employment would increase first, followed by permanent roles once facilities became operational. He highlighted the Holyhead Hydrogen Hub in Gwynedd, a £22m initiative to establish a green energy facility at Parc Cybi, as an example of projects nearing completion.
What is the Wrexham Gateway project?
A focal point of councillor concerns was the Wrexham Gateway scheme, designed to construct a new transport hub and commercial development opposite Wrexham General train station. Gallanders indicated the project was expected to generate approximately 700 jobs in the area. According to Ambition North Wales, the Wrexham Gateway carries a total investment of £14.4m, comprising £4.8m from the Growth Deal and £9.6m from private-sector partners. The development will deliver roughly 7,000 square metres of new office space.
David Mathews, an Ambition property manager, reported that discussions between agents and prospective occupiers remained ongoing. The committee voted to request a progress update on the Wrexham Gateway by November.
The Wrexham Gateway was formally added to the Growth Deal portfolio in July 2023 after members approved the inclusion of five new projects. In March 2026, Ambition North Wales approved the project's outline business case, though the approval carried a 12-month time limit; the scheme must return to the committee if it has not progressed to a full business case within that window.
What transport improvements are planned?
Beyond the Wrexham Gateway itself, transport infrastructure forms a critical component of the wider development strategy. The Welsh Government confirmed on 22 January 2026 that it will invest over £1.5 million in the next 18 months to progress transport measures needed for the Western Gateway site. Wrexham Council's feasibility and design work for a new priority cycle route connecting Wrexham General Station to the Western Gateway is scheduled during 2026/27, subject to annual funding approvals.
A related initiative, the Wrexham Business Gateway project, received funding approval in March 2026 with a total scheme cost of £23m, of which more than £7m will come from the North Wales Growth Deal.
Key facts
- The North Wales Growth Deal aims to create 4,000 jobs by 2036 using £240m in government funding plus up to £730m in private investment
- As of the committee meeting, only 121 jobs had been created across seven projects—63 permanent and 58 construction roles
- The Wrexham Gateway project is expected to generate around 700 jobs and will provide 7,000 square metres of new office space
- Officials project significant job growth over the next two to three years, with the majority of positions materialising once facilities are completed
- The Wrexham Gateway outline business case was approved in March 2026 but must progress to full business case status within 12 months or face review
