Date: 02/04/2008
Talks took place recently to agree a new approach for the regeneration of Whaley Canal Basin and Bingswood Industrial Estate in Whaley Bridge.
Local councillors agreed to a proposal that a masterplan for the area should be developed, including a solution to the long-standing issue of building a new access bridge to the Industrial Estate across the river Goyt. The next step is to secure funding for the project.
British Waterways have already obtained £50,000 to carry out a feasibility study into the regeneration possibilities around the transhipment building and canal basin. The Council's survey will link to these plans, with the aim of developing a regeneration vision for the area, in conjunction with the Whaley Bridge Regeneration Partnership.
A major delay to the building of the Goyt Bridge has been caused by negotiations with a local developer to secure the land needed to build the bridge. The Council will continue to work closely with the site owner to negotiate an agreement.
Councillor Tony Kemp, Executive Councillor for Regeneration, has been working behind the scenes for several months to develop this wider approach to the Canal Basin and Industrial Estate area.
He said: "I was concerned that earlier work had focused only on the bridge and, because of this, little of the necessary funding had been confirmed. On-going difficulty in securing the necessary land has not been helpful; added to this, there has been a downturn in the property market and land values. Establishing a comprehensive masterplan that not only secures existing jobs, but may also have capacity to stimulate increased employment in the future, may enable us to access regional development funding for this key project.
"It is a Council priority to take pressure off Whaley Bridge town centre by removing heavy goods traffic and improving access to the employment land. A comprehensive scheme to enhance the Canal Basin area will attract more tourists and boost the local economy, not only in the town but across the Borough. This is an exciting and challenging project and we are committed to making it happen."