City Deal could make Swansea “beating heart of the UK’s digital economy”
Innovative proposals to create an ‘internet coast’ in South West Wales – as part of a proposed city deal – could put region at the “beating heart” of the UK’s digital economy.
Swansea Bay City Region’s chairman Sir Terry Matthews is spearheading plans for a fibre-optic transatlantic cable from New York to Oxwich Bay, which would make the region a giant test bed for digital innovation.
Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Andrew RT Davies, said:
“These are exciting proposals which could transform telecommunications infrastructure in the UK, placing Swansea on the map and delivering ultrafast broadband to rest of the country.
“Unlike other bids in the UK, which have focused primarily on physical infrastructure projects, the Swansea plans focus on technology and could lead Swansea to become the beating heart of the UK’s digital economy.”
Shadow Minister for the Economy, William Graham, said:
“The Chancellor has created a series of opportunities for cities around the UK, and under the stewardship of Sir Terry Matthews it is fair to say that the Swansea bid has been rejuvenated.
“The City Deal could offer the region a huge boost, potentially creating as many as 33,000 jobs over twenty years. That’s exciting, and is further evidence that Conservatives in government are creating opportunities for all parts of the UK.”
