TALKS have taken place to agree a new approach for the regeneration of Whaley Bridge's Canal Basin and Bingswood Industrial Estate.
Local councillors supported a proposal that a masterplan for the area should be developed, including a solution to the long-standing issue of creating a new access to the industrial estate across the river Goyt.
The Goyt Bridge has already suffere
d major delays as a result of negotiations with a local developer to secure the necessary land, although it is understood discussions are ongoing.
Tony Kemp, High Peak Borough Council's Executive Councillor for Regeneration, said: "It is a council priority to take pressure off Whaley Bridge town centre by removing heavy goods traffic and improving access to the employment land.
"Establishing a comprehensive masterplan that not only secures existing jobs, but may also have capacity to stimulate increased employment in the future may enable us to access regional development funding for this key project.
"A comprehensive scheme to enhance the Canal Basin area will attract more tourists and boost the local economy, not only in the town but across the borough.
"This is an exciting and challenging project and we are committed to making it happen."
The next step is to secure funding for the project.
British Waterways has already obtained £50,000 to carry out a feasibility study into regeneration possibilities around the transhipment building and canal basin.
The council's survey will link to these plans with the aim of developing a regeneration vision for the area, in conjunction with Whaley Bridge Regeneration Partnership.
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