Streamlined Wylfa Newydd will need fewer construction workers…and they'll all be based at site

The developer behind Wylfa Newydd is to cut the number of construction workers and house all temporary staff next to the build project in a streamlined nuclear plant development.

Horizon Nuclear Power’s next formal consultation starts today – the final one ahead of a planning application going in on the £14bn project.

The biggest changes on the previous plans are proposals for a more compact power station design (pictured inset) and for every temporary construction worker, not living locally, to be based by Wylfa Newydd.

The single temporary workers accommodation campus reduces the number of accommodation buildings across the North of Anglesey.

Built in phases, it would initially create around 2,500 beds and could provide a maximum of 4,000 beds if needed.

This would halt proposals for worker sites in Holyhead, Amlwch and Rhosgoch – bad news for the backers of those projects but it will mean reduced pressure on the Anglesey transport network.

Duncan Hawthorne, Chief Executive of Horizon Nuclear Power, said: “In this third stage of consultation we’re focusing on the areas that have changed or where there are new proposals.

“To make this project the best it can be it must be investable, constructable, and deliver a world-leading operating power station. Wylfa Newydd must also be a welcome addition to the community which Anglesey and the wider region can be proud of.

Planned worker accommodation at Wylfa Newydd

“The changes we’re proposing will enable us to streamline our construction schedule, reduce the number of construction workers we need to bring in and temporarily house, and cut the number of development sites we need.

“Alongside this we remain absolutely committed to being a good neighbour to the communities which will host the power station.

“This includes creating opportunities for local companies and long term high quality careers in North Wales, particularly for young people currently in education.”

The consultation starts today and will run until June 22.

Other proposals include:

Appointing a Welsh Language and Culture Coordinator

Support for the development of an Employment and Skills Service to signpost people from across the region to jobs available at Wylfa Newydd.

Support for a capital investment programme for all five secondary schools on the island to improve science and technology facilities.

Funding to support a capital investment programme for the provision of affordable housing, initially focusing on increasing housing stock around the power station and in nearby Amlwch.