In a major vote of confidence in the Bridgend and Welsh economy in a very challenging and uncertain time, today INEOS Automotive announced it will be constructing a new, bespoke 250,000 sq foot manufacturing and assembly plant at the Brocastle Business Park for the production of their new 4x4 Grenadier vehicle.

With Welsh Government and UK Government support the facility will create 200 jobs initially, and it is hoped up to 500 in the long term. To house this new facility the company is purchasing 14 acres of land from the Welsh Government at market value and with development of the site infrastructure already underway, production of the new vehicle is projected to start as early as 2021.

INEOS Automotive has signed up to the Economic Contract, designed to drive growth and responsible business behaviors in companies. The health and wellbeing of workers is an important part of INEOS' ethos.

INEOS Automotive are already in talks with two Wales-based component supply companies to support their work which could provide a further boost to the Welsh economy.

This new development, will have capacity to accommodate a further 500,000 sq ft and the potential for many more jobs for expanding companies and other new investors. The Minister for Economy and Transport Ken Skates AM has confirmed today that the work to support Bridgend in the wake of Ford's plans will not stop here and he confirmed Welsh Government will continue to do all it can to attract new business opportunities, to support Ford workers and secure further investment in the future of Bridgend.

We look forward to further announcements.

BCBC were also thrilled that Welsh Government has confirmed a vital £3.5m contribution of European Union funding towards the planned extension and redevelopment of the iconic Maesteg Town Hall.

With additional investment in place from this council, Awen, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Welsh Government Communities Facilities Programme, Maesteg Town Council and the Davies Trust, work can shortly begin on the £6m project, which will repair the 138-year-old landmark building and refurbish it with modern arts and culture facilities.

Planned improvements include a modern library, a heritage and volunteering centre, a café, new workspaces, toilets and fully accessible 'changing place' facilities. A multi-functional performing arts centre is to be created on the first floor, and this will incorporate the main hall, a renovated stage, improved dressing rooms, a bar and for the first time a smaller, more intimate studio theatre and community cinema. The balcony seating area will be refurbished, and both upper and lower floors will be linked by a modern glazed atrium and foyer to address accessibility throughout the building.

Additional funding bids will be submitted early in 2020 to ensure that the building is fully equipped with state of the art furniture and fittings for the reopening. We are thrilled that thanks to our joint efforts with Awen Cultural Trust we have been able to safeguard the future, a bright future of this historic building at the heart of the town, for generations to come.

Hundreds of vacancies will be available at our annual jobs fayre with Job Centre Plus at Bridgend Life Centre tomorrow. Please encourage your constituents who are looking for employment, training and volunteering opportunities to visit the Bowl Hall tomorrow between 10.00am and 1.00pm for support and advice. Residents who cannot make it are welcome to contact our employability team or see them face to face at ti4e- weekly drop in sessions held throughout the County Borough.

Finally, the Leader extended his personal thanks to Cllr M James who had stepped down as Leader of the Plaid Cymru group. Both he and other Group Leaders had worked very effectively and closely together on a cross party basis. He extended his congratulations to Cllr T Thomas as new Leader of this group, who he was sure would want to work as constructively as Cllr James had done during his time as group Leader.