20 November 2006

Local residents to help shape future of Bickershaw Colliery

Local residents are being invited to give ideas on how they would like to be involved in the detailed design and delivery of the former Bickershaw Colliery, in Leigh, as plans for the redevelopment of the site progress.

Following feedback from previous consultation events, the preferred option has been identified and will be on display. This option includes a country park with golf course and activity centre as well as the approved new neighbourhood centred around the canal basin.

The events are taking place at the following venues:
• Monday 20 November, Bickershaw Primary School, Bickershaw Lane, Bickershaw. 3.30pm - 7pm.
• Saturday 25 November, St. Peter's Primary School, Leigh Street, Leigh. 10am -2pm.
• Tuesday 28 November, Leigh Library, Turnpike Centre, Civic Square, Leigh. 2pm - 6pm.

Project partners: Wigan Council; the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and national regeneration agency English Partnerships will be on hand to give an update on the proposals including feedback on issues raised at previous events and to discuss how local people would like to be further involved.

This is the third round of public consultations and comes after a recent funding announcement from English Partnerships of £16.85m, from the National Coalfields Programme, to enable the development of the country park which will be delivered by Wigan Council. This is in addition to £19.14m awarded in 2004 for the clean-up of the southern part of the site with plans for up to 650 new homes and the potential for waterside bars, restaurants and shops. This scheme is being led by NWDA.

Neil Mortimer, Head of Coalfields at English Partnerships said "Bickershaw is one of the flagship schemes in our National Coalfields Programme and has the potential to make a huge positive difference to local people. Not only is it the largest site but the project partners are committed to a healthy living strategy, using sustainable energy for minimal impact on the environment as well as high quality design. These are ideas which we want to share and develop with the help of local residents, through events like these."

Wigan Council Leader Peter Smith, said "This is a really exciting scheme that will enhance the area and bring many benefits to a wide range of people. We are keen to continue our dialogue with local people as the scheme progresses and respond to any concerns as well as to make the facilities relevant to local needs".

Maurice Gubbins, NWDA Policy and Partnerships Manager, said:  "The NWDA is pleased that local people are being given the opportunity to get involved in the development of this scheme, which aims to improve the quality of life in this area. The proposed country park will compliment the redevelopment of the southern part of the site, which is helping to bring 18 hectares of brownfield land back into productive use, making way for an exciting mix of housing and commercial space centred around a brand new marina."

Ends

For further information please contact Val Smith at English Partnerships on 01925 644635

Notes to editors:

English Partnerships is the government's national regeneration agency delivering high quality, sustainable growth in England. We do this by developing our portfolio of strategic projects and acting as the government's advisor on brownfield land. We also ensure that surplus public sector assets are used to support wider government objectives, especially those contained in the Sustainable Communities Plan. English Partnerships helps create communities where people can afford to live and want to live. Information on projects and programmes can be found at www.englishpartnerships.co.uk 

The £386.5 million National Coalfields Programme is assisting coalfield communities throughout England to recover from the decline of the coal industry by creating new employment, homes, leisure facilities and open space. It works closely with Regional Development Agencies (RDAs), the Coalfields Communities Campaign, local authorities and many other groups to help rebuild fragile economies. It now covers more than 100 sites across some 4,300 hectares.