A group of influential business people are urging councillors to give the go-ahead to build the new super prison in Wrexham.
Wrexham Business Professionals say the prison will be a “once-in-a-generation” £250 million investment that will supercharge the economy of North East Wales while creating 1,000 jobs.
The group, made up of local firms solicitors and accountants who collaborate on a non-competitive basis to promote the development of businesses, skills and employment opportunities for professional people in the town, have backed the idea from the outset.
Wrexham County Borough Council will be considering a planning application to build the prison on Wrexham Industrial Estate.
Speaking on behalf of Wrexham Business Professionals, Gill Atkinson, from Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors Coxeys, said it was vitally important the scheme was given the go ahead.
She said: “Like everywhere else, Wrexham has been buffeted by the cold winds of the recession so it is brilliant news to hear that we will be benefitting from around 1,000 precious new jobs.
“It’s a massive prize. This is a once-in-a-generation investment that will provide long-term benefits to the economy of Wrexham and will radiate out to the wider area.”
The news has also been given a warm welcome by the wider business community in Wrexham.
Mario Kreft MBE, the owner of the Pendine Park care organisation that employs 500 people in the town, said that in addition to the economic benefits there were also social and crime-prevention reasons for choosing North Wales.
The new prison would allow for easier visiting for the families of prisoners and for probation officers as well as benefits for Welsh-speakers and all this would allow for improved rehabilitation of offenders.
Mr Kreft added: “The sheer number and range of jobs this will be enormous, particularly if North Wales gets organised and sets up proper training for prison officers and management and administrative staff.
“This all adds to the portfolio of jobs and while the social reasons are the most important, the economic benefits have to be taken into consideration too.
“The spin-offs for the local economy will be huge with opportunities to provide goods and food, which could benefit farming as well as sub-contracted services.
“This could provide the building industry in North Wales with the chance to tender for major contracts and creating much needed local jobs.
“There are now excellent transport links by road and rail which makes Wrexham a hub for other areas.
“North Wales has risen to the challenge before and accepted its share of social responsibility. We need prisons so why not have one in our backyard, especially as it will bring such huge economic benefits.”
