CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP ANNOUNCED, ULVERSTON CANAL
The long term future of Ulverston Canal has been assured for future generations following its acquisition by special purpose company, Ulverston Canal Company (UCC), part of the wider land management company NPL Estates Ltd www.nplestates.com.
GlaxoSmithkline (GSK) have concluded the divestment of the canal to UCC along with the formation of a trust fund to secure the maintenance, management and preservation as part of the nation’s heritage for the enjoyment of the public.
A spokesman for GSK said ‘’ GSK have owned and managed the canal for over 35 years, but as part of a business review, ownership of the canal is not a key element of a successful future antibiotics manufacturing site at Ulverston. However, GSK is committed to ensuring the canal remains a valuable community amenity in the future and therefore believes divesting the canal in this way is the best way of achieving this’’
Safeguarding the long term existence, maintenance and operation of the canal was at the forefront of the decision by GSK to divest ownership to specialist environmental management firm NPL through the dedicated special purpose company UCC.
UCC’s Project Manager, Alex Dornan said ‘’UCC is dedicated to working in partnership with Ulverston Town Council, local residents and interest groups in the town to improve access to the canal and to concentrate on reinforcing its position as an asset to the town of Ulverston.’’
It is proposed that a regular forum is introduced through Ulverston Town Council, whereby ideas and proposals can be discussed and implemented to improve the canal’s status. In addition UCC plans to have a dedicated website showcasing up to date information and as a message board for comments.
SLDC Regeneration Manager, Jayne Kendall said ‘’This is very good news for the area, it will ensure that the canal remains as a well managed and maintained asset for the community, whilst allowing GSK to concentrate on its core activity.’’
A report will be received by South Lakeland District Council’s Cabinet on 3rd March. The report recommends that the Council waive its right of pre emption (Its right to purchase the canal). This right was transferred to the Council from Ulverston Urban District Council in 1974. If the Council agrees to this, then the transfer of the canal to NPL will proceed.
Ulverston Town Council Mayor Norman Bishop-Rowe said, “Following a very in-depth presentation and questions by Members, Ulverston Town Council support the proposal by NPL and welcome the safeguarding of the canal for the future of the Town.”
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For further information contact Alex Dornan, alex.dornan@npl-estates.com
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The Ulverston canal is famous for being the shortest, deepest and straightest canal in England at one and one half miles long. The architect was John Rennie who also designed Waterloo Bridge in London.
The canal was completed in 1796 to provide the town of Ulverston with a port. The canal is listed under the Reservoirs Act 1975 and is now cut off from the estuary with the sealing of the sea gates at Canal Foot.
Following its abandonment at the end of WWII, it was until 1974 maintained by the former Ulverston UDC, following which it was acquired by GSK primarily as a source of water for emergency use.
NPL Estates is one of the UK’s leading, privately owned brownfield regeneration, remediation, land management and development companies.
Its strong in house team,with extensive expertise in surveying, planning, land care and environmental management translates the company’s vision and objectives into deliverable solutions which succeed in solving the often complex issues surrounding brownfield land management and redevelopment.