Bristol, Cardiff and Newport have developed proposals to create a cross-border alliance to boost growth in the Severn region.
Key investment goals for the alliance include improving transport links and connectivity, increasing inward investment, skills and employment provision.
Bristol Mayor George Ferguson said: ‘I take central government’s commitment to the northern cities powerhouse as a timely opportunity and challenge to the West to create its own critical mass in terms of population and economy.’
He said electrification of the Great Western rail line would transform the region and added there was a ‘unique opportunity' to unlock the renewable energy source of the Severn estuary.
It also emerged yesterday that Newport has become the first Welsh city to be admitted to the Key Cities Group of 24 significant medium sized urban areas – whose members include Coventry, Derby, Sunderland and Wakefield.
The partnership follows the publication of the City Growth Commission report last year, which identified the Severn Region as one of six powerhouse city regions which the UK will come to depend on for future growth.
