News / Bristol
Bristol joins forces with Cardiff and Newport
Bristol, Cardiff and Newport have formed a new triumvirate and will, in future, work together as a super-city region.
The plans mean the three cities will operate under the Great Western Cities (GWC) banner, with the aim to work together and rival England’s northern powerhouse of Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield.
As some of the most successful cities in Britain, with a combined economic output of £58b, the aim is for the three cities to work together to do even better as a ‘super-city region’.
is needed now More than ever
GWC will look at improving transport links in the region, increasing business growth and inward investment, increasing skills and employment and making best use of renewable energy opportunities, particularly the Severn Estuary.
Cllr Bob Bright, Leader of Newport City Council said: “Geographically Newport is strategically positioned between two major cities – Cardiff and Bristol – and collectively we have so much to offer by working together.”
Cllr Phil Bale, Leader of the City of Cardiff Council; said: “Cities are where new jobs are being created, new companies formed, new ideas and technologies developed.
“Connectivity is essential to our vision – travel times and transport links between Cardiff and Bristol and to other major British cities need to be improved.
“In this respect, the cities of the North of England are leading the way, coming together to lobby government and secure additional infrastructure investment. We in South Wales and the West need to respond. That’s why we are coming together as the Great Western Cities.”
Mayor George Ferguson said:”I take central government’s commitment to the northern cities ‘powerhouse’ as a timely opportunity and a challenge for the West to create its own critical mass in terms of population and economy.
“Electrification of the Great Western line will have a transformative effect on Bristol and the region and we have, working closely with our Welsh partners, a unique opportunity to unlock the renewable energy source of the Severn estuary.
Strengthening working arrangement with our sister cities of Cardiff and Newport means we can grasp all sorts of opportunities that come our way, enabling us to build on our strengths for the benefit of people across the region.”
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