Blaenau Gwent Council is in ‘early discussions with interested parties’ over a proposal for a technology-based employment hub at Ebbw Vale which could include a test circuit. The site was formerly earmarked for the controversial but aborted Circuit of Wales (CoW) project at Rassau. Recently the council revealed that it has applied to renew the planning permission for the key elements of the CoW scheme “in order that any potential development opportunities can be explored fully”. According to the Western Mail the new plans, by ‘two of Wales’s leading financial figures’, for the 320-hectare site would involve a motor racing circuit as well as state-of-the-art testing facilities for the automotive industry. The cost could be £150m and they are looking for part-funding from the Cardiff City Region Deal for what could be a £150 million initiative.