Memorandum submitted by South Lakeland
District Council
SUBMISSION
South Lakeland District Council submit the following
observations on the regeneration role of British Waterways.
1. South Lakeland District Council (SLDC)
are directly engaged with British Waterways (BW) working jointly
on an initiative to restore the Northern Reaches of the Lancaster
Canal. This initiative has been progressed over many years, yet
with a particular emphasis over the last three years on detailed
planning for the restoring the northern terminus in Kendal.
2. This work involves the technical and
engineering assessments necessary to restoring the waterway and
the development of an Area Action Plan to create the statutory
spatial planning framework for the `Canal Head' area of the town.
3. The project partnership is embodied within
the Lancaster Canal Restoration Partnership, an organisation with
wide membership from the public, private and voluntary sectors
in the counties of Lancashire and Cumbria. BW play an essential
coordinating role in enabling the partnership to function. This
has been a long term relationship, reflecting BWs long term commitment
to restoring the Northern Reaches. They realise the importance
of relationship building over a period of years, which results
in confidence building amongst local authorities and communities.
4. The restoration of the Northern Reaches
is identified as a key regeneration project within the South Lakeland
Community Strategy. A restored canal will become the centre piece
of a regenerated area of the town, bringing new vibrancy and opportunity
for the town. It will provide Kendal with a unique destination,
one which will contribute significantly to the town's prosperity
and environment.
5. It is a complex project, requiring a
multitude of skills and expertise to be applied. The District
Council does not have these skills within its own resource. BW
have brought direct access to relevant skills and expertise, and
through their agreements with world class consultants, have brought
a range of expertise that has guided the Council and partners
through the project. This manifests itself in the significant
reduction of project risks. Put simply, access to the national
resource has enabled this Council to raise its ambition in what
can be achieved to raise the quality of life for the District's
residents.
6. BW have acted as the project lead, securing
significant levels of external funding to support the project
planning stage. BW have also contributed from their own resources.
The project management skills of the organisation are very sound
and have added assurance to the process.
7. BW have demonstrated a commitment to
the involvement of stakeholders. They realise the importance of
early engagement and the building of trust. They are able to mobilise
the voluntary sector in support of initiatives. We have noticed
their commitment to bring regional and national recognition to
the local work, whether it is through the personal involvement
of senior managers, the use of their influence amongst regional
and national regeneration agencies or working with national bodies
such as the Inland Waterways Association to bring their national
trailboat festival to the District.
8. Our experience of working with BW is
one of building towards success. Without them, we would not have
the same opportunity to bring regeneration benefits to the District.
We look forward to a long relationship with them and encourage
other organisations, including the Select Committee, to encourage
their work.
9. Further information or clarification
on the points we have raised may be sought from the Head of Regeneration
and Housing Services.
South Lakeland District Council
March 2008
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