December 2006
Planning Committee set to hear historic application that will transform the economic fortunes of Wisbech
The most significant and important planning application ever to go before Fenland District Council's Planning Committee could be determined today.The outline planning application for almost 20 acres of derelict land in the heart of Wisbech will, if it is approved, transform the fortunes of Wisbech and, indeed, the whole of Fenland.
The application is the first milestone in the £47 million Nene Waterfront Regeneration Project that aims to turn the Nene River frontage and the land behind it into a vibrant residential, retail and business community. For the District Council and the funders, the comprehensive regeneration approach is fundamental to the overall development proposals for the site.The tone of the development has already been improved by the recent expansion of the yacht harbour facilities, which is part of the regeneration programme.The application is for a maximum of 370 homes, plus a multi-use building to be called The Boathouse, which will include a Yacht Club, Port Office, meeting and conference facilities and 31 knowledge-based business units.
The Boathouse will be a landmark building, designed to add a 'wow' factor the project.In addition, the outline application includes illustrative plans that show that the area could be developed with five-storey residential buildings with ground floors for commercial use fronting the river, stepping down to two storeys on the eastern edge to complement existing buildings in that area, with the Nene Parade being given over to pedestrians.
There will be a broad mix of homes and the development will include a series of squares and courts to enhance the residential environment and improved links between the town centre and the riverside.The development will have a dramatic impact on the resurgence of Wisbech and Fenland as a whole.
It will have an economic impact far beyond the hard facts that it will: • Increase the population of Wisbech by approximately 900 people. • Create 138 new jobs, increasing during the construction phase. • Ensure that 13 per cent of the homes will be designated as 'affordable'. • Create 465 off-street parking spaces and 55 dedicated on-street parking bays.
Should the outline plan be approved, the development approach will be in managed stages, each accompanied by detailed planning applications for: • Cleaning up the site and preparing it for the developer to move on and begin construction. • Highway improvements in advance of construction work. • The construction of The Boathouse.
Planning applications for each phase of the residential/commercial developments will be submitted by the developer as appropriate. The selection of the proposed developer is in hand after a formal procurement process and an announcement is expected in the near future.Cllr Geoffrey Harper, Portfolio Holder for Open for Business, said: "This £47 million regeneration project has the potential to dramatically effect the way Wisbech sees itself and the way potential investors, visitors and new businesses view the town. It will hugely improve the economic prospects of the town, widen the employment base and boosting tourism in the town and across Fenland."
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