Memorandum submitted by Manorcrest Homes
Ltd
BRITISH WATERWAYS'
REGENERATION AND
RESTORATION ROLE
1. We have been working closely with British
Waterways for the last twelve months on a project on the Lincoln
waterfront at Brayford Pool. The waterfront has received a great
deal of investment over the last few years and in addition to
housing the Lincoln University campus, private investors have
brought the Brayford Pool to life with new bars, restaurants,
cinema complex and a hotel. Significant improvements have also
been made by British Waterways and Lincoln City Council to ensure
that the area is attractive and welcoming to visitors walking
along the quayside, and the marina itself is undergoing modernisation
by the private sector. British Waterways own a 1700 square metre
site overlooking the marina, which was originally an Electricity
Board power generating plant.
2. The site is derelict and has been vacant
for many years. However, Manorcrest Homes saw the potential for
a new hotel in this location and entered into negotiations with
British Waterways to acquire the site for redevelopment. Since
agreeing Heads of Terms in June 2006 we have been working together
on all aspects of the design work and consultation required to
reach the stage in January this year when we were able to submit
a joint planning application for the demolition of the existing
buildings, and construction of a 105 bedroom hotel.
3. The support and professional guidance
of British Waterways staff in this process has been fundamental
to its success so far. The design process has had to address the
public's concern with loss of character and consultation with
local and historical groups, as well as deal with the technical
aspects of flood risk management, access and aesthetic issues.
A great deal of media interest has been generated, with some adverse
comments, but there has also been overwhelming support for the
project from the general public, who are as keen as British Waterways
and ourselves to see further improvements to the waterfront. The
British Waterways site is the last property on northern quayside
to be modernised and will be an important conclusion to the regeneration
of the area into what will be an exciting, vibrant leisure quarter
for Lincoln.
4. Because we have submitted our planning
application in joint names, British Waterways have been involved
in the preparation of the application at every stage, attending
planning, design and consultative meetings, and keeping in touch
through extensive email correspondence. British Waterways have
been able to bring to the table their extensive expertise in similar
regeneration projects, as well as utilising their contacts to
network with the authorities and other professionals.
5. Delivering a high quality network of
waterways across the country that create a relaxing, enjoyable
environment for boaters, walkers and cyclists alike is important
to the British public, and part and parcel of that is the upkeep
of waterside frontages, including the restoration and regeneration
of properties that can add significant value to their surroundings
and improve their attraction to visitors. British Waterways play
an important role in driving such projects forward and their involvement
in the Brayford Pool, both in terms of the moorings and facilities
already provided, and their desire to see our hotel project come
to fruition, will undoubtedly contribute towards Lincoln becoming
an important tourist attraction for this region.
L M Hall, Director
Manorcrest Homes Ltd
March 2008
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