PLANS for an automotive technology park in Ebbw Vale have moved a step forward.

Economy secretary, Ken Skates, yesterday chaired a meeting with industry figures from TVR, Ford, General Dynamics and IQE as well as representatives of Ebbw Vale Enterprise Zone, Blaenau Gwent council and Cardiff University, in order to develop detailed proposals for an Automotive Technology Park.

Last month the economy secretary announced that the Welsh Government would invest £100m over ten years into the park with the potential to create up to 1,500 new full time jobs.

The meeting focussed on opportunities that could create the most new jobs and maximum economic investment in the area.

Speaking after the meeting, the cabinet secretary Mr Skates said: “It was a very productive meeting that confirmed our collective ambition to shape and deliver a project that can genuinely regenerate the local economy.

“Our plans to invest £100m in an Automotive Technology Park in Blaenau Gwent have the potential to transform the local economy and create up to 1500 jobs and I am keen to progress them as quickly as possible.

“Today’s meeting provided an ideal opportunity to bring key players from industry, local government, academia and the local Enterprise Zone together to agree our direction of travel and set key targets and milestones that will help drive this pivotal project forward.

“Delivered well the project can not only create the high quality jobs the area needs but also play a key role in shaping the future of our automotive industry here in Wales.”

The exact location of the park is yet to be announced.