Holyhead Forward Strategy
The Holyhead Forward strategy document provides an overall vision and sets out the themes and priorities for regeneration for the next decade. The document was prepared in 2003 by Anglesey County Council following a period of research and consultation. This included an examination of previous plans and strategies, statistics and views generated through business and community consultations. The strategy was launched and publicised in June 2003.
The overall vision statement for Holyhead is to:-
"Create a thriving international centre which capitalises on its potential and strategic position".
The document includes the following sections :-
INTRODUCTION The purpose of the strategy
THE OPPORTUNITIES Why Holyhead is important and has growth potential
THE CHALLENGES The problems that need to be tackled
THE VISION Changing Holyhead for the better
Themes and Priorities - key focus areas for regeneration :-
- Learning and Leisure
- Communities
- Supporting Business
- European Celtic Gateway
- Tourism & Environment
Delivering the framework - making it happen
A copy of the strategy may be downloaded here.
Please note this document is 4.356MB in size and may take several minutes to download if you have a slow internet connection.
Public Consultation
The Holyhead Forward strategy was subject to public consultation during the summer of 2003, as a result of which circa 70 written responses were received, the vast majority being very supportive of it. A public exhibition featuring the strategy and many constituent projects was held in the town centre on four summer days, which drew around 2,000 people. The consultation exercise confirmed a strong desire by the people of Holyhead to see major improvements happening. A further consultation on the strategy update has also taken place - see below.
Good Practice
The Wales Audit Office (WAO) Review of Regeneration in Wales (2005) has highlighted the wide and integrated regeneration approach proposed in the Holyhead Forward strategy as an example of good practice.
Strategy Review & Update
A review and update of the Strategy has taken place, and an updated version was agreed by the Holyhead Forward Board in July 2007 as a basis for public consultation. The Board meeting on the 12th October 2007 considered comments that had been received on the draft, and endorsed the revised Strategy subject to various minor additions, and authorized the Holyhead Strategy Group to agree further detailed wording changes. The new strategy timescale links into the new EU Convergence funding programme for 2007-13 which is now open for bids.
There have been some very significant changes to Holyhead's economy since 2007, in particular large-scale job losses at Anglesey Aluminium and Eaton Electrical during 2009. These clearly have a fundamental impact on the Strategy. The Holyhead Forward Board has agreed that a fundamental review of the strategy should now take place to reflect the new situation facing the town.