Evaluation of strategic employment sites: interim report

The operation is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund and aims to provide primary infrastructure to encourage investment and the development of four high quality strategic employment sites.

Main findings

• A strong fit with Welsh Government strategies and polices.
• Good evidence for the intervention, in particular there is a shortage of employment space and evidence of market failure.
• Selection of sites is justified, all are deliverable and located in areas of market demand and close proximity to job seekers.
• Robust management and monitoring processes at Welsh Government and site level.
• The strategic employment sites operation is on course to meet all of its output targets and good progress has been made to delivering the objectives of cross cutting themes.

Recommendations include actions to:

• Undertake targeted marketing to prospective occupiers and developers.
• Consider how access to employment opportunities by deprived communities can be maximised.

The final evaluation is due to report in Winter 2022.