Cardiff Capital Region Partners With National Wealth Fund To Unlock Investment And Growth
07 September, 2026
Cardiff Capital Region Partners With National Wealth Fund To Unlock Investment And Growth
Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) is set to form a strategic partnership with the UK’s National Wealth Fund, creating an opportunity to accelerate investment and economic growth across South East Wales.
CCR has been selected for the next phase of the National Wealth Fund’s regional partnerships programme, alongside South Yorkshire, Liverpool City Region and the North East of England.
The National Wealth Fund, which is wholly owned by HM Treasury but operates independently of government, has £27.8bn available to invest in clean energy and growth industries.
Through the partnership, CCR will work closely with the National Wealth Fund, Welsh Government and its ten local authorities, gaining direct access to investment knowledge, expertise and capital.
Under the Fund’s Regional Project Accelerator programme, specialists will work with Cardiff Capital Region to identify and develop potential investments and help projects reach a stage where they can secure finance.
The partnership is intended to strengthen the region’s pipeline of investable projects and help attract public and private investment into infrastructure capable of supporting economic growth and job creation.
No individual projects in South East Wales have yet been announced as part of the partnership.
“This strategic partnership with the National Wealth Fund represents a significant opportunity for Cardiff Capital Region to accelerate the development of transformational projects that will drive sustainable economic growth across our region and to the benefit of the nation.
“By combining our deep understanding of local opportunities with the Fund’s investment expertise and capital, we can strengthen our pipeline of investable projects, unlock private sector investment and deliver the infrastructure needed to support thriving communities, better connectivity and high-quality jobs.”
Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby, Chair of Cardiff Capital Region
The announcement builds on CCR’s existing approach to public investment, including regeneration schemes such as its Strategic Premises Fund and Northern Valleys initiatives.
Reflecting on the announcement, Cardiff Capital Region Chief Executive Kellie Beirne described the partnership as an important moment for both the region and Wales.
“Our ambition must be bigger than our geography. By working in the ‘Welsh way’ — with Welsh Government, UK Government local authorities, business and communities — we can use our investment capability, networks and collective strengths to connect opportunity across Wales, unlock growth and help build a stronger Welsh economy.
“What is good for CCR can, and should, create value well beyond our boundaries.”
Kellie Beirne, Chief Executive of Cardiff Capital Region
National Wealth Fund Chief Executive Oliver Holbourn said the expanded regional programme would provide “tailored support based on local needs and opportunities, creating jobs and spreading the lasting benefits of investment to the local communities they serve”.
Secretary of State for Wales Stephen Kinnock said: “The new partnership between the UK Government’s National Wealth Fund and Cardiff Capital Region will help boost the Welsh economy by driving investment into infrastructure, regeneration and the jobs of the future.”
Similar National Wealth Fund partnerships were previously established with Greater Manchester, Glasgow City Region, the West Midlands and West Yorkshire.
For Cardiff Capital Region, the new partnership provides an opportunity to combine regional knowledge and investment capability with the National Wealth Fund’s expertise as it seeks to develop projects capable of attracting further investment and supporting sustainable economic growth.