Memorandum submitted by Vale Royal Borough
Council
1. EXECUTIVE
SUMMARY
1.1 A £32 million grant from English
Partnerships to stabilise the abandoned salt mines under the town
centre dramatically changed Northwich's fortunes.
1.2 The highly technical mine stabilisation
project completed in 2007 has presented Northwich with a unique
opportunity to deliver an ambitious renaissance.
1.3 A strategy called Northwich Vision has
been put in place to manage this rare opportunity to secure the
town's future.
1.4 British Waterways is one of eight key
regional and national partners in Northwich Vision—with
the key aim of comprehensively regenerating Northwich. The other
partners are English Partnerships, Northwest Regional Development
Agency, Vale Royal Borough Council, Cheshire County Council, Environment
Agency, Learning and Skills Council and Visit Chester and Cheshire.
1.5 All the partners have a strong affinity
for Northwich and have signed a "Memorandum of Understanding"
to take the Vision forward. This document states "The regeneration
is not solely about the redevelopment of land and property but
about utilising the assets of the town to the benefit of local
communities, creating economic, social and environmental opportunities
and to attract investment".
2. OBJECTIVES
OF THE
NORTHWICH VISION
2.1 As a partner in the Northwich Vision,
British Waterways is playing a central role in exploiting the
opportunities brought about by the in-filling of the salt mines
below the town. By engaging their considerable resources and expertise
they are enabling significant and far-reaching advances to be
made in turning the town's fortunes around.
2.2 British Waterways is a vital partner
in achieving a key objective of the Northwich Vision; that of
embracing the waterfront. Northwich sits on the confluence of
two rivers; the River Dane and the canalised River Weaver. British
Waterways continues to be integral in turning the town to face
the rivers and creating an attractive setting for leisure and
amenity activities.
2.3 This is demonstrated not only in the
expertise and experience offered, but by contributing to the funding
of a holistic flood mitigation study for the whole of Northwich.
British Waterways, Vale Royal Borough Council, English Partnerships
and the Environment Agency have commissioned Faber Maunsell to
identify innovative solutions to minimise flood risk in the town.
2.4 Developing tourism is one of the key
pieces in the Northwich Vision strategy. Millions of pounds have
already been invested to preserve some of the area's heritage
and develop its attractive waterways.
2.5 Anderton Boat Lift, which was built
in 1875 to lift barges between the River Weaver and Trent and
Mersey Canal has undergone a £7 million restoration and now
attracts a stream of narrow boats and visitors.
2.6 To further encourage more use of the
River Weaver, British Waterways are assisting with a planning
application to restore a historic former boatyard at Yarwood's
Basin. This will significantly add to the use and vibrancy of
the waterways at Northwich.
3. MARINA DEVELOPMENT
AREA
3.1 As well as being an active stakeholder
in a number of specific development areas, British Waterways are
currently masterplanning a development area within the town having
selected a preferred developer partner in 2007.
3.2 The Marina site will bring forward
a new 80 bed hotel, retail units and offices together with up
to 200 high quality residential units, creating a lively "hub"
for town life, and increasing the levels of activity through the
day and into the evening.
3.3 A planning application will be submitted
in 2009.
4. PARTNERSHIP
WORKING
British Waterways actively participate in regular
progress, steering group and board level meetings, facilitating
healthy debate and fostering a results oriented culture.
The close working relationships existing between
all the partners enables smooth decision making and the identification
of practical solutions.
Each partner brings their own expertise, but
the Northwich Regeneration Partnership has provided the framework
to examine identify the optimum way forward for Northwich.
Vale Royal Borough Council
March 2008
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