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The Project
In 2003, Groundwork Wirral were invited by the Northwest Regional Development
Agency to prepare a brief and apply for funding to undertake a study of
the Stanlow area. The purpose of the work was primarily to outline opportunities
to improve the image and perception of Stanlow in a consistent manner,
in order to attract inward investment to the area. The work was intended
to build on and add value to the considerable body of work already in
existence and currently addressing the issue of image in this area, not
to duplicate effort but to provide a new focus on aspects not previously
covered in depth.
It is generally accepted that the Stanlow area suffers from an image problem
which inhibits economic growth and diversification. There exists within
the area e2xtensive tracts of vacant and derelict land, and there is a
widespread commitment from the public and private sectors to continue
to tackle this problem. This study has aimed to capture the knowledge
and experience that exists within the various public and private sector
partners and stakeholders, and to create a shared New Vision for Stanlow.
The approach of a holistic Green Business Park strategy was agreed, within
which a thorough design framework would be provided, to guide future project
implementation towards co-ordinated and consistent delivery on the
ground. Whilst woodland establishment and landscape structure remain an
integral part of the strategy, the design framework provides a more holistic
vision, including a wide range of landscape elements, hard and soft, which
contribute to the overall image and perception of the area. The strategy
also outlines opportunities for local businesses to develop a more sustainable
approach to operations, noting how waste production and energy consumption
can be reduced, contributing towards the local environment and making
financial savings in the process.
The Strategy document
Click the links below to download and view the strategy document.
Please note that some parts of the document are large files.
The Process
A project steering group was set up to guide the development of this work.
The group represented the Northwest Regional Development Agency, Ellesmere
Port and Neston Borough Council, Chester City Council, Cheshire County
Council, the Forestry Commission, The Mersey Forest Team, Chemicals Northwest,
Associated Octel, Cheshire Manufacturing Park, Shell, and Peel Investments
Ltd. This group met four times during the development of the project,
providing feedback and comment on emerging proposals.
Questionnaire surveys were conducted to ascertain the views of local businesses
in relation to local environmental issues, image and landscape; the surveys
also gathered information on environmental impacts of business operations.
Beyond the steering group further consultation on the emerging and draft
proposals was held with: Cheshire Wildlife Trust, Cheshire Police Authority,
the Highways Agency, the Environment Agency, British Waterways, the Mersey
Basin Campaign, Mersey-Dee Alliance, the 4M EDZ Board and the Wirral Ranger
Service. Every effort has been made to refine proposals in light of consultees’
feedback.
The Conclusions
The Vision Statement for the regenerated Stanlow area is :
A clean, green, modern and dynamic location for business, in which companies
achieve competitive advantage through the adoption of environmentally
sustainable practice, and inward investment is encouraged through environmental
excellence and a positive image.
- This Vision is consistent with, and builds on the
recommendations of :
The 4M EDZ Masterplan
- Local Planning Policy and Guidance
- Local and Regional Economic strategy
- The Mersey Forest Plan
- The North West Cheshire Woodland Strategy
- The Ellesmere Port and Neston ‘Small Sites
Strategy’
- The Ellesmere Port and Neston ‘Business Environment
Association’
- EP&N Local Air Quality Forum
- Cheshire County Community Enterprise Team &
Chester & Ellesmere Port Enterprise Agency
- Ellesmere Port & Neston Community Safety Partnership
- Investing in Success, The Sub Regional Economic
Strategy for Cheshire and Warrington, produced by CWEA (October 2004)
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