Work Begins to Bring Former Peboc Site Back to Life

Work Begins to Bring Former Peboc Site Back to Life

A major project to bring one of Llangefni's most prominent brownfield sites back into positive use is moving forward. Work to breathe new life into the former Eastman (Peboc) site began earlier this month, representing a real milestone in efforts to create new jobs, attract investment and strengthen the local economy. Purchased by the Isle of Anglesey County Council earlier this year, the site is a key part of the wider Freeport Gateway project and forms part of long-term plans to transform the area into a modern employment destination. The eight-acre former chemical works have remained a strategic location for economic growth, despite closing in 2008. Outline planning permission has been secured for seven modern business units, providing more than 5,200 square metres of employment space and supporting around 140 full-time equivalent jobs. The site also forms part of the Anglesey Freeport Tax Site, helping to position Ynys Môn as an attractive location for future investment. The next phase of the project will see remediation, clearance and enabling works undertaken to prepare the site for future development. The work is being supported through Anglesey Freeport seed capital funding and investment from Ambition North Wales through the North Wales Growth Deal. Council Leader and Economic Development portfolio holder, Councillor Gary Pritchard, said, "This is an exciting opportunity for Llangefni and Anglesey. By accessing Seed Capital Funding and with the support of our partners at Ambition North Wales via the North Wales Growth Deal, we are taking another important step towards realising this major economic project. "For many years, much of the old Peboc site remained unused. We now have an opportunity to transform it into a place that can support new businesses, quality jobs and investment. He added, "Working alongside our partners through the Anglesey Freeport and Ambition North Wales, we are laying the foundations for a development that can deliver long-term economic benefits for Llangefni, Ynys Môn and the wider region." Anglesey's Head of Economic Development and Regulation, Christian Branch, said, "Securing ownership of the site was a major milestone following many years of work by the Council and its partners. "We can now begin preparing the site for redevelopment, addressing long-standing issues while creating opportunities for future growth, investment and employment. This marks a significant step forward in our vision to bring this important site back into productive use." The Council has appointed Read Construction to undertake remediation, clearance and demolition works at the site, together with the creation of a new access route through Tregarnedd Industrial Estate. These enabling works are now underway as the site is prepared for future development and will help unlock its long-term economic potential. Councillor Mark Pritchard, Chair Ambition North Wales, said, "Bringing the former Peboc site back into use will support economic growth, attract investment and create opportunities for businesses and communities across Anglesey and the wider region. We are pleased that our North Wales Growth Deal is able to support this important project as it moves into delivery." Read Construction Director, Karen Heaton-Morris, added, "We are pleased to be working with Isle of Anglesey County Council on this important project to prepare the former Peboc site for its next phase of development. As a North Wales contractor, we are committed to maximising opportunities for local employment and engaging regional supply chain partners wherever possible. The enabling works will help unlock the site's long-term potential, creating the foundations for future investment, business growth and job creation on Ynys Môn."