New tax site approval paves way for Anglesey Freeport growth

Anglesey Freeport, a partnership between the Isle of Anglesey Council (IACC) and Stena Line, has announced that the North Anglesey Tax Site has become the latest tax site to receive formal tax site designation on the Island.

The North Anglesey Tax Site includes Rhosgoch, the former Shell Oil depot, and the Octel site, a former bromine chemical factory. With the tax site designation now achieved the sites will be viable for Freeport investment, with new businesses able to benefit from the Freeport's special tax initiatives, helping drive forward growth and job creation in the north of the Island.

This forms part of Anglesey Freeport's wider mission to safeguard the Welsh language and culture, create thousands of high-quality and skilled jobs, positioning North Wales at the forefront of the global energy and technology sectors.

Isle of Anglesey County Council Chief Executive, Dylan J. Williams, said:

"The formal designation of the North Anglesey Tax Site marks a significant milestone for Anglesey Freeport and for the wider North Wales economy, enabling the delivery of the Freeport's vision across the Island.

Following last week's announcement that Rolls-Royce will develop Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) at the former Wylfa nuclear site, alongside the creation of the new AI Growth Zone in North Wales, Anglesey is now primed to become a global hub for clean energy, advanced technology innovation and investment.

We are grateful to the UK and Welsh Governments for their continued support and their recognition of the transformative benefits the Freeport will deliver."

Ian Hampton, Executive Director at Stena Line, added:

"Today's designation of the North Anglesey Tax Site is a clear signal of confidence in the economic potential of Anglesey and North Wales.

We look forward to continuing to bring our plans for the Freeport forward, helping to unlock long-term prosperity and opportunities for Anglesey and North Wales."

Two of Anglesey Freeport's tax sites, the Central Anglesey Tax Site and Anglesey Prosperity Zone, received tax site designation following the agreement of the Freeport's Outline Business Case in early 2025.

The Freeport will shortly agree its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the UK and Welsh Governments.

Once signed, the Freeport will be fully operational and will be able to access up to GBP25mil in Government seed capital, further enabling its development and supporting its operation.