Community involvement in this project is the key to public 'ownership' of the exciting new quarter of Wisbech and a Nene Waterfront Regeneration Community Forum has been inaugurated.

The forum was set up to explore ways of adding value to the project. A wealth of ideas generated by members of the forum will add considerable value to the regeneration of Wisbech. Ideas have now focussed on five key areas: Art, Young People and Education, Heritage and Tourism, the River Group and Access and Environment.

Each group is currently working up proposals that may be taken forward for potential funding.

The forum has already succeeded in turning three ideas into reality. Project Management Consultants, MACE Regeneration, have provided £5,000 to fund 21 schools to produce giant murals depicting the future of Wisbech that will become an open air gallery around the site.

The funding will also pay for a computer to be installed in the building site office connecting the 21 schools via a broadband link to key members of the construction team from the architects and quantity surveyors to the crane drivers, electricians and brick layers. The aim is to help pupils learn about the site that will transform their town while at the same time giving them a flavour of potential careers when they leave school.

Funding has also been found by the project partners to pump-prime the gathering of an oral history of the area from elderly residents which will be recorded digitally for posterity and for educational use.

The partners have also been agreed to help fund a heritage trail
for visitors to follow and learn about the fascinating history of Wisbech.

Bidwells, the property consultants on the project, have put in £1,000 towards sending four youngsters on a five-day sailing course on a yacht sailing from the South Coast to Wisbech.

Webcam offers Bird's eye view
A webcam situated high above the development site will allow pupils at local schools to watch the transformation from derelict wasteland to thriving town centre.

The webcam will be of particular benefit to local schools which will be able to incorporate what they see of the construction work taking place into their school work.

The webcam is password protected. For access, please email Terry Brownbill.