A project to develop rail track testing facilities near Ystradgynlais is at least five years behind schedule, a recent report has revealed.

At a Powys County Council Governance and Audit committee meeting on Friday, June 20, councillors and lay members were briefed on the risks associated with transforming the former Nant Helen coal drift mine into the Global Centre of Railway Excellence (GCRE).

The development has the potential to create hundreds of jobs and boost the local economy by an estimated £300 million.

Diane Reynolds, director of economic development and growth, told the committee that further planning applications from GCRE for the site are expected next year.

Initial planning permission, which approved the principle of developing the site, was granted by both Powys and Neath Port Talbot councils in 2021.

Last year, GCRE secured approval to extend the deadline for submitting detailed plans.

The site was originally expected to be operational by 2025.

Ms Reynolds said: “These things change over time. They are looking to put in a revised planning application.”

Future proposals include restoring a footpath around the site’s perimeter, which could become part of a new cycleway.

“I think they are looking at improving access as well,” said Ms Reynolds.

Committee vice-chairman and lay member, John Brautigam, said: “There is a risk stated in the report that there is a skills deficit for the jobs that would be needed there.

“What is being done about that?”

Ms Reynolds said: “The GCRE have a huge programme to entice people into engineering.

“They have been doing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) sessions with Year Six pupils, going out to all of the local schools providing training and getting young people interested in the types of skills that will be needed for the future running of such a site.

“We don’t expect the site to be up and running until 2030 - so we’re talking five years.

“They have also been working really hard with the Welsh and UK Government on any people that will be displaced as part of the steelworks ceasing.

“They have been re-training local people in the rail industry so they can take up positions in the future.”

Mr Brautigam said: “Thank you. I’m glad to hear there is some activity in that direction anyway.”

Committee chairwoman and lay member Lynne Hamilton believed that another report on the development should be brought to the committee in future so that the committee is assured that the council’s risks are being “managed appropriately”.