Member Article

Cheshire salt works attracts attention of European regeneration experts

European specialists in regenerating former industrial and brownfield sites have travelled to Northwich to witness the emerging transformation of the Lion Salt Works – set to become a major visitor destination.

The delegation from Manage+ first visited in 2012 when the project to develop the derelict open pan salt works into a heritage visitor attraction was in its early stages.

Now the building works are nearing completion, the group have paid a follow-up visit to see the progress that has been made on the council-led project.

The Salt Works’ management centre, Stove House 5, has benefited from £270,000 of funding from Manage+, which has partners in the UK, Belgium, Netherlands and Germany.

A European Union initiative, Manage+ aims to develop sustainable and cost-effective models for the management of regeneration projects and ensures that the partners’ expertise is shared between each of their projects.

The Salt Works visit coincided with the regular Manage+ partner meeting, which was held in Chester.

Councillor Stuart Parker, Executive Member for Culture and Economy, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome the Manage+ delegates back to the Lion Salt Works.

“The site has undergone an enormous transformation since their last visit and the delegates were very impressed with the progression of the whole project.

“They were particularly enthused with the development of Stove House 5, which will become a centre for local businesses with conference facilities.

“We hope to welcome the delegates back to the Salt Works once it re-opens in spring 2015 as a unique visitor attraction.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .