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Exciting times for Flint businesses

Published: 30/03/2016

Local businesses in Flint were given the opportunity to discuss plans to build a mix of council and affordable housing on The Walks site, at an Engagement Event held at the Church of St Mary and St. David on Church Street. Representatives of the development partners, Flintshire County Council and Wates Living Space Homes were on hand to offer advice and information about the development, which will form part of a wider Strategic Housing and Regeneration Partnership (SHARP) across Flintshire.  SHARP is forecast to generate over £60m worth of benefit to the county’s economy over the next 5 years. The partnership is also expected to generate approximately 2,000 employment opportunities and a number of training initiatives for local unemployed people. To help stimulate spend with high street businesses, the partnership is launching the SHARP Shoppers Scheme. Operatives working on SHARP projects will be issued with loyalty cards and there are plans to provide a similar reward scheme for residents moving in to the new apartments. The Walks development is being taken forward at the same time as two other exciting projects for Flint Town centre move ahead; the development of a new health centre by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) in conjunction with Read Construction and the development of a new extra care facility by Pennaf in conjunction with Anwyl. Representatives of Pennaf, Read Construction and Anwyl were also on hand at the event to assist with information and advice. Councillor Derek Butler Flintshire County Councils Cabinet Member for Economic Development said: “We are keen to work with local businesses to minimise the disruption to their trading and operational activities during the development of The Walks, the new extra care facility and the new health centre. “These major developments will transform Flint town centre in the coming months and will undoubtedly provide many business opportunities for local traders and service providers to explore. Joanne Jamieson, Managing Director of Wates Living Space Homes said:  “Wates Living Space Homes is extremely proud to be supporting the regeneration of Flint town centre. A core aspect of our delivery approach is the engagement of local businesses and suppliers, to maximise economic benefit for local communities. The new SHARP Shoppers Scheme will play an important role in encouraging local spend and we are fully behind the initiative. Throughout the SHARP programme, it’s estimated that Flintshire-based sub-contractors will have access to £40m worth of work packages. This substantial level of investment will create numerous employment and training opportunities for local people and we will work closely with the Council to identify ways in which we can help local businesses grow, both during and post construction.” If you run a business in Flint and would like further information call Kate Catherall on 01352 703221 Note to editors Pictured in the attached photograph are (l to r):  Kate Catherall, Business Advisor, Flintshire County Council, James Russell of The Old Court House Cafe and Mick Cunningham, Project Manager, Wates Living Space Homes.