The announcement of the £1.2bn City Deal for Cardiff is a huge boost to the region, comments Peter Constantine, Regional Senior Director of Bilfinger GVA in Cardiff.
“It is the first step in a long process of long-term investment in the South Wales economy and in particular much needed infrastructure investment which will benefit the whole region,” he says.
With an estimated £4bn of private sector investment, and 25,000 jobs expected, the deal could be a game changer by boosting economic growth, transport links and business support. It will also establish strong governance across the region through a Cardiff Capital Region Cabinet.
Furthermore the City Deal will see the establishment of a non-statutory regional transport authority to co-ordinate transport planning and investment in partnership with the Welsh Government.
“In my view getting the infrastructure right is fundamental to unlocking investment,” continues Peter. “Whilst there is a commitment to the South East Wales Metro, I would like to see other major infrastructure projects such as the M4 Relief Road come to fruition and would urge the authority leaders to make this happen.”