Tech Beetle briefing GB

First step towards boosting manufacturing with new Powys research centre and technology park

Essential brief

Key facts

Powys County Council has purchased 14 hectares near Newtown College to develop CymruTech Park, an advanced manufacturing centre and business park.

The project aims to foster innovation, create skilled jobs, and attract investment to Mid Wales by integrating research and manufacturing.

CymruTech Park will strengthen links between education and industry, supporting talent development and collaborative research.

The development addresses regional economic diversification and aligns with national efforts to boost advanced manufacturing.

Success will rely on partnerships and investment to establish Mid Wales as a competitive hub for manufacturing and technology.

Highlights

Powys County Council has purchased 14 hectares near Newtown College to develop CymruTech Park, an advanced manufacturing centre and business park.

The project aims to foster innovation, create skilled jobs, and attract investment to Mid Wales by integrating research and manufacturing.

CymruTech Park will strengthen links between education and industry, supporting talent development and collaborative research.

The development addresses regional economic diversification and aligns with national efforts to boost advanced manufacturing.

Powys County Council (PCC) has taken a significant step towards enhancing advanced manufacturing capabilities in Mid Wales by acquiring 14 hectares of land adjacent to Newtown College. This land purchase from the NPTC Group of Colleges will serve as the foundation for the new CymruTech Park, a state-of-the-art advanced manufacturing centre (AMC) and business park. Situated on Llanidloes Road, the development aims to create a hub for innovation, research, and manufacturing excellence in the region.

The CymruTech Park is envisioned as a landmark infrastructure project that will bring together cutting-edge manufacturing technologies and research facilities. By fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government, the centre is expected to drive economic growth, create high-skilled jobs, and attract investment to Mid Wales. The proximity to Newtown College also facilitates strong links with educational institutions, enabling a pipeline of skilled talent and research partnerships.

This initiative addresses a critical need for advanced manufacturing infrastructure in Mid Wales, a region seeking to diversify its economy and enhance its industrial base. The AMC will focus on emerging technologies and innovative production methods, positioning the area as a competitive player in the manufacturing sector. The development of the business park alongside the research centre will provide space for startups, SMEs, and established companies to co-locate, collaborate, and scale their operations.

The project reflects broader trends in regional development where technology parks and research centres act as catalysts for economic regeneration. By investing in such infrastructure, Powys County Council aims to stimulate local supply chains, improve productivity, and support sustainable industrial growth. The initiative also aligns with national strategies to boost manufacturing capabilities and innovation ecosystems across the UK.

Looking ahead, the success of CymruTech Park will depend on effective partnerships, ongoing investment, and the ability to attract diverse businesses and research entities. The development is expected to enhance the profile of Mid Wales as a centre for advanced manufacturing and technology innovation, contributing to long-term economic resilience and competitiveness in the region.