UK confirms North Wales AI Growth Zone and fast-tracks planning and energy access
The UK government has confirmed North Wales as the latest AI Growth Zone, spanning the Menai Strait across parts of Anglesey (Ynys Môn) and Gwynedd. The zone is expected to create more than 3,400 jobs, from temporary construction roles to higher-paid positions in AI research and development.
There is no investment partner in place yet. As the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) put it, "Work is already underway to secure an investment partner to help deliver the AI growth zone site, and construction work will then swing into action once a deal has been confirmed, expected in the coming months."
This is the third AI Growth Zone (AIGZ) announced. One in the north east of England has secured funding reported at £10bn from Blackstone. The first AIGZ, unveiled in January 2025 at the UK Atomic Energy Authority headquarters, was also announced without a private partner lined up for the initial build.
What fast-tracking means for public bodies
Planning guidance has been updated so AI infrastructure gets priority. DSIT says this will cut approval timelines from over four years to as little as two, supported by a new AI planning team backed by £4.5m to help local councils manage applications.
On energy, AIGZ datacentres will get priority access to any available grid capacity to avoid long connection queues. They will also qualify for energy bill discounts if located in areas that help reduce pressure on regional networks.
Immediate actions for councils and agencies
- Map suitable datacentre sites now. Coordinate cross-boundary planning across Anglesey and Gwynedd, and begin pre-application engagement with DSIT's AI planning team.
- Resource the approvals pipeline. Assign a dedicated case officer team, set service level targets, and prepare standard conditions and Section 106 templates for datacentre builds.
- Plan grid connections early. Work with your DNO and National Grid ESO to identify available capacity, align timelines, and evaluate siting that could qualify for the new tariff discounts.
- Front-load environmental due diligence. Scope EIA, HRA and flood risk, and plan for noise, traffic, water use, and waste heat reuse opportunities with local utilities.
- Secure enabling infrastructure. Confirm power corridors, fibre routes, water supply, and road access. Resolve wayleaves and land options to keep lead times down.
- Prepare procurement routes. Line up frameworks for construction, M&E, and specialist datacentre engineering; engage local suppliers where feasible.
- Use the skills funding. The government has allocated £5m to boost skills and adoption in North Wales-partner with FE/HE providers and set clear apprenticeship targets.
What government leaders are saying
"Getting spades in the ground as quickly as possible to deliver these transformations for local communities is vital," DSIT said. "Planning guidance has today been updated to give AI infrastructure projects priority. This will slash waiting times from over four years to as little as two, with a dedicated team of AI planning experts also being set up to streamline the approvals process."
The prime minister said, "We said we'd make AI work for Britain - and now we're putting our money where our mouth is. These growth zones aren't an abstract conception; they're about thousands of jobs, real investment and change for communities that have been short-changed for too long. In North Wales, that means thousands of new roles and £5m to boost skills and help local businesses adopt AI. This is delivery, not dithering - and it's happening now."
Liz Kendall, secretary of state for science, innovation and technology, said the AIGZ agenda will help cement the UK's position in AI and bring thousands of jobs and significant investment to places that need it most. She added that people will get the skills needed to benefit from AI, building a strong pipeline of talent.
Risks and realities to manage
No private investment partner is confirmed yet, so delivery milestones will hinge on that deal. Keep risk registers live: grid capacity, water availability, environmental constraints, land assembly, and supply chain lead times all need early mitigation.
Align communications with local communities now. Be specific on benefits (jobs, skills, business rates, infrastructure upgrades) and clear on mitigations (noise, traffic, water use, energy efficiency, and community benefit packages).
Where to track policy and technical updates
- Department for Science, Innovation and Technology for AIGZ policy and planning guidance updates.
- National Grid ESO - Connection reforms for connection queue and capacity changes.
Skills: fast options for public sector teams
If you're planning a rapid skills uplift for policy, planning, procurement, or operations teams, curated AI course maps by role can save time.
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