WREXHAM'S MP has backed plans being discussed for the area to secure significant investment via a bid for a UK Government scheme worth £80 million.

Sarah Atherton MP, attended an event at Moneypenny on Thursday, May 11, alongside business leaders and local authority representatives to explore the opportunity.

The bid would involve Wrexham pitching to become an ‘Investment Zone’, developing new infrastructure, and creating jobs, with the aid of £80 million worth of tax incentives over a period of five years.

At the Autumn Statement, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, announced that the government would launch an Investment Zones programme, aimed at supporting a small number of high-potential areas in need of levelling up to boost productivity and growth across the whole country.

Mrs Atherton now wants Wrexham business leaders to launch a bid.

At the Moneypenny event, she spoke in favour of Wrexham becoming the region’s centre of excellence and highlighted the rich tapestry of manufacturing businesses – and the largest trading estate in Europe – which would make Wrexham a strong contender for the bid.

She also suggested businesses work in partnership with Wrexham University to establish research clusters which would help kickstart life sciences and manufacturing hubs in the area – and the possibility for Wrexham to become a bespoke UK hub in these areas.

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Commenting later, Sarah Atherton MP, said: “This is a golden opportunity for us to capitalise on Wrexham’s winning streak and take our city to the next level.

"I’ve had productive meetings recently with the Prime Minister, the Secretary of State for Levelling Up and the Secretary of State for Wales, where I’ve enthusiastically made the case for a Wrexham Investment Zone.

"I am keen now to work in partnership with Wrexham business leaders, the university, and other politicians on a cross-party basis to get the best deal for Wrexham and secure £80 million worth of tax incentives for our local economy and city centre.

"I am proud of Wrexham, and I think a bid from our city would be a strong one!”