Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
Background
Wisbech was once a thriving port with a strong tradition of boat building and repair. In recent years the growth of coastal container ports has led to a major decline in fortune for the Fenland town with large areas of the waterfront laying derelict for the past 20 years.
The £47m Nene Waterfront Regeneration Project is bringing significant investment with the aim of not only dramatically transforming Wisbech, but the whole Fenland area.
Location
Wisbech is the capital of the Fens, located 25 miles northeast of Peterborough this market town has a population of around 20,000.
The Nene Waterfront Regeneration Project will turn more than 8 ha of disused land alongside the River Nene into a vibrant residential, retail and business community. Over 300 new homes, a percentage of which will be affordable will be created in the development. Included as part of the scheme will be ‘The Boathouse’, a landmark building designed to act as a focal point of the development. The Boathouse will be home to a yacht club, post office conference facilities and provide space for 31 knowledge-based business units.
Project details
English Partnerships is working with Fenland District Council, the East of England Development Agency, the European Regeneration Development Fund administered by Go-East and Cambridgeshire County Council to bring about this re-vitalising transformation over the next 3 years.
Project Milestones:
- February 2007 – Taylor Woodrow submit detailed planning application for more than 300 homes.
- April 2007 – Opening of the Open Air Gallery exhibition of school mural paintings.
- Summer 2007 – Work to start on construction of the Boathouse (12 month construction period).
- Autumn 2007 – Taylor Woodrow’s house building arm, Bryant Homes, to start construction on the mixed-use development (scheduled to be completed within four years).
- September 2007 – Work to start on creation of Linear and Pocket Parks on the north bank close to Freedom Bridge.