A Change of Ownership

Ulverston Canal Company (UCC), part of the NPL Group (www.nplestates.com) have agreed to take ownership and day-to-day responsibility for the canal, comprising of the canal itself, the towpath and back-drain, from GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).

 

                                             

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.

Safeguarding the long-term existence, maintenance and operation of the canal has been at the forefront of the decision by GSK to divest ownership to specialist environmental management company NPL through the dedicated special purpose company, Ulverston Canal Company.  UCC's sole purpose is to ensure long-term existence and maintenance of the canal in perpetuity.

UCC has ring-fenced the funding for the management and maintenance of the canal in perpetuity in the formation of a dedicated Trust, thus ensuring the longevity of this asset for all to enjoy for future generations.

UCC is dedicated to working in partnership with Ulverston Town Council.

 What happens next

The first stage of the process is the transfer of ownership and day-to-day responsibility for the canal from GSK to Ulverston Canal Company.  Simultaneously, the secure Trust will be formed which will hold the management funds for the canal.

We will be working with Ulverston Town Council to set up a regular meeting forum in which queries, ideas and maintenance issues can be discussed.

As spring approaches, the management regime will once again begin, with vegetation clearances, grass cutting and towpath repairs etc.

If you have any specific concerns please do not hesitate to contact Alex Dornan  

Ulverston Canal  history

Press Release