A number of developments aimed at kick-starting the economy in North Wales could create thousands of jobs in the region.
There are various projects in the pipeline across the area, from the gigantic - like Wylfa Newydd - to small housing developments bringing construction jobs to North Wales.
We've focused on six key developments which have the potential to drive economic regeneration and create jobs.
Adventure Parc Snowdonia
Surf Snowdonia is in advanced talks with Hilton to open a hotel at its Conwy Valley surfing lagoon.
Under the plan, a 106-bedroom Hilton Garden Inn would open next to the lagoon, along with a "wellness spa" and conference facilities.
The company also revealed a new brand and more details of its game-changing new adventure offer which will open to visitors in summer 2019.
This will include indoor and outdoor activities as well as an "Adventure Concierge" to link visitors with off-site adventures.
The developments could add another 100 jobs at the site as well as bring in thousands of extra visitors to North Wales.
Nuclear testing facility
Plans for a nuclear power research and testing facility in North Wales have been revealed.
The UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) has been appointed by the UK and Welsh Governments to develop the outline design of a proposed £40m national thermal hydraulic research and testing facility.
It aims to boost the UK’s nuclear new build programme and development of Small Modular Reactors and Advanced Modular Reactors.
Outline planning permission has been secured at Menai Science Park in Gaerwen on Anglesey.
The facility itself is expected to create around 30 permanent jobs, with further benefits to the local economy.
The testing hardware will be accompanied by a research centre for up to 50 visiting scientists to carry out data analysis, computer modelling and simulation work.
There are also potential spin-offs from that research which could bring considerably more jobs to the island
Caernarfon bypass
Building work on a multi-million-pound bypass between Caernarfon and Bontnewydd is getting underway.
The £135m scheme will build a six-mile route to relieve traffic along the A487.
The scheme will see a new road built from the from the Goat roundabout on the A499/A487 junction to the Plas Menai roundabout.
Work will take around two years and should be completed by the spring of 2021.
There will be hundreds of jobs created to complete the project, pumping millions of pounds into the local economy, with Ruthin-based Jones Bros a joint partner on the scheme.
Rhyl Regeneration
The latest bid to regenerate the seaside town will this year see the £15m SC2 waterpark open - with hopes this will help bring thousands of extra people into Rhyl.
In addition to this, the 73-bedroom Travelodge hotel will open on the promenade and there are hopes restaurant brand Johnny Dough's will also open in the town in 2019.
Aldi are in the process of building a new supermarket on Marina Quay, with B&M also in talks to come to the retail park.
There have been a number of false dawns for the town, but it is hoped this year can see Rhyl's fortunes start to change.
AMRI Deeside
The Welsh Government is investing £20m to develop the first phase of the Advanced Manufacturing Research Institute facility on Broughton in order to increase productivity, commercialisation, innovation and skills development across a range of sectors including aerospace and automotive.
The aim is to take business support to the next level in order to encourage and increase productive collaboration between industry, academic partners and entrepreneurs.
It is predicted that the first phase of the new research facility could drive up Welsh GVA (gross value added) by as much as £4bn over 20 years.
It will be managed by the prestigious The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC).
Glynllifon Rural Economy Hub
A multi-million-pound project to help transform the rural economy of North Wales was revealed earlier this year.
Grŵp Llandrillo Menai has announced its vision for the Glynllifon Rural Economy Hub which it believes can support hundreds of businesses in the area.
Planned for the Coleg Glynllifon campus near Caernarfon, it will comprise a Food Enterprise Park, providing food grade units for both start-up and established producers, and a Knowledge Centre, creating a pool of practical experience to support innovation and enterprise growth in the region.
There would also be a Demonstration Site for private sector developments – designed to stimulate innovation in fields such as sustainable energy, robotics and telecommunications.
The proposed £13m scheme forms part of the North Wales Growth Bid and would create an estimated 91 direct jobs during the construction phase, with 80 jobs accommodated within the Rural Economy Hub when operational.
It will work with partners across North Wales to ensure that the impact on the economy is even greater than this.
