BP assisting economic regeneration in South Wales

BP employed almost 5,000 people in the mid 1980's in South wales, but closure of sites mean that they now have about 300 staff at the Baglan Bay petrochemicals' facility and Llandarcy bitumen terminal. The decline of coal and steel industries in the area, employment opportunities have been greatly reduced.

BP has been involved in several initiatives which have replaced many of BP's lost jobs and are creating the conditions for new employment opportunities. Major projects include:

BP has granted £2.5million in loans, contributed to 20 community building projects and supported 100 young people in the modern apprenticeship Scheme. Businesses have been created on the former Llandarcy refinery site and nearly 1,000 jobs have been created.

A partnership between BP, the Welsh Development Agency and local authority, has resulted in the creation of the Baglan Energy Park. Using gas turbine technology, a power station will provide energy for local redevelopment and it is expected to create between 6,000 and 10,000 new jobs for the area.

There are plans to redevelop the Llandarcy site for housing, offices, light industry and leisure. This will include a hotel and world-class sports facilities for the local community as well as creating more than 100 jobs.