Memorandum submitted by Hodgson Elkington
LLP
BRITISH WATERWAYS—REGENERATION AND
RESTORATION ROLE
Hodgson Elkington LLP have acted as Commercial
Agents and Property Advisors to British Waterways on a Regional
basis for in excess of 10 years.
As a Practice, we have been involved in a number
of significant regeneration based schemes in a wide geographical
area including Lincoln, Loughborough, Newark, Grantham, Retford
and Doncaster.
During this period of time British Waterways
have been instrumental in regenerating important water based urban
areas including the Brayford Pool in Lincoln and the Grand Union
Canal Basin in Loughborough. Area based schemes have also been
initiated in Grantham and Doncaster, strategic schemes which are
at varying stages of delivery.
Our clients have worked closely with a variety
of Partners including District and County Council's and Regional
Bodies such as East Midlands Development Agency. The ethos has
been simple insofar as the primary aim is to regenerate, often
run down, urban water spaces through Development, any profits/returns
are simply then reinvested in the continual management and regeneration
of the administered canal/river network.
As a Practice we are constantly looking for
opportunities whether individual or area based for waterside regeneration
and this is a proactive approach instigated through a close working
relationship with the Leeds and Northwich based property teams
of British Waterways.
The relationship has led to a sound understanding
of the benefits accrued through waterside regeneration which,
amongst other things, we see as a catalyst for other developments,
the provision of much needed services for the water space and
the generation of much needed Capital and Revenue from development
enabling reinvestment in the waterways.
From our own experience, it is clear that the
input of British Waterways in terms of urban regeneration has
been substantial, and indeed vital, to the successful outcome
to some of these areas. We are of the firm belief that British
Waterways needs to play a continued vital role in these processes,
they are an essential component in a delivery framework and as
such we would request the Committee to encourage British Waterways
to continue its work in this particular field.
Stephen Bradford, Partner
Hodgson Elkington LLP
March 2008
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