Memorandum submitted by Erewash Borough
Council
1. EXECUTIVE
SUMMARY
1.1 The successful and continued economic
development and regeneration of Erewash Borough is paramount.
During recent years, the Borough has identified the value of the
Waterways in Erewash in securing new inward investment and the
delivery of social regeneration projects.
1.2 We believe that the Erewash Canal, through
a combination of work carried out by Erewash Borough Council in
addition to our strategic partners, has the potential to become
a focal point for regeneration in the East Midlands.
1.3 British Waterways are seen as a key
delivery partner in a series of high profile projects in Erewash
that will guide regeneration and encourage new investment into
brownfield sites, buildings and other land along the Erewash Canal
Corridor.
2. SUBMISSION
2.1 Erewash Borough Council has prepared
a submission to the Heritage Lottery Fund to secure funding to
deliver a Townscape Heritage Initiative in Long Eaton. This will
fully encourage economic growth and the sustainable re-use of
existing buildings.
2.2 As part of the THI project, Erewash
Borough Council will work with British Waterways to improve the
canal-side environment through effective management and maintenance.
The Borough Council will actively seek to improve local community's
awareness of their waterways and promote the Erewash Canal as
an important heritage attraction for the wider region.
2.3 With the support of British Waterways,
Pedestrian movement along canals will be encouraged through the
following improvements:
— new and improved path surface treatment
— enhanced and new entry points/crossing
points
— public spaces art works and
— Complementary works to improve the
setting of the waterway and the existing historic buildings associated
with it.
2.4 The focus of intervention by British
Waterways would lead to increased use of the waterway network
and its surroundings helping to support our ambitions in restoring
the town's historical, redundant or underused buildings.
2.5 Tourism in Erewash is a developing,
yet under-resourced sector. Erewash has a potentially strong tourism
offer through the Borough's Waterways, industrial heritage, and
rural location. Our Waterways provide valuable visual and recreational
amenity potential, which as yet is largely unfulfilled. Working
with British Waterways, Erewash Borough Council is unlocking the
potential of our Waterways and maximise their potential.
2.6 Erewash Borough Council are working
with British Waterways to explore the cultural and commercial
benefits of Erewash Canals and unlock the potential value as a
visitor destination, specifically encouraging the development
of Trent Lock as a destination site.
2.7 We are also looking to increase community
involvement with the canals and waterways across Erewash. Erewash
Borough Council is already engaged with British Waterways in delivering
successful projects for improving the quality of life for local
communities close to our waterways. Social Inclusion projects
such as "Tow-path Tidy" encourage residents to utilise
and maintain the appearance of their local waterways.
Erewash Borough Council
March 2008
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