£600,000 QUAY TO MORWELLHAM’S FUTURE
Friday 5th January 2007
Devon County and West Devon Borough Councils have agreed to a cash investment of up to £600,000 to secure the long-term future of Morwellham Quay.
In making their decision to provide this important investment in the future of Morwellham, the local authorities are working closely with the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Morwellham and Tamar Valley Trust to produce a new vision and management structure for Morwellham and secure its future conservation as a site for education and enjoyment.
The latest support will combine with the £1.2 million capital investment already being made in Morwellham through the Tamar Valley Mining Heritage Project over the next few years.
Chair of the Tamar Valley AONB Partnership, Cllr Neil Burden, is delighted with the outcome; “Securing Morwellham's future success is so important to the Tamar Valley. This new partnership will underpin the site's future and unlock necessary longer-term support to help create a world-class facility for the World Heritage Site and AONB. £1.2 million already allocated within the Tamar Valley Mining Heritage Project will begin this transformation this winter”.
The investments will see major conservation works carried out, a new Visitor Orientation Centre being built, 60 kms of new footpaths, cycle ways and Bridleways being laid out and linking Morwellham with the heritage mining sites throughout the Tamar Valley.
It will also see new education and interpretation facilities being provided using the latest high tech equipment.
Back in July last year Cornish and West Devon Mining Landscape was recognised by UNESCO as a cultural World Heritage Site (WHS) alongside The Great Wall of China, Stonehenge and the Taj Mahal.
Ten areas across Cornwall and Devon make up this unique heritage asset, which recognises the worldwide importance of the mining heritage and the legacy it has left in this part of the UK.
The Tamar Valley and Tavistock area are the geographical gateway to the rest of the mining heritage sites and at the hub of the Tamar Valley lies its principal visitor attraction and open air heritage museum at Morwellham Quay.
The Councils’ decision will help to rejuvenate the economy of this part of West Devon providing new jobs and business opportunities.
Devon County Council’s member for Tavistock, Cllr Roy Connolly, said: “Morwellham is a world class attraction. Through this and other related investments over the next few years we will provide much improved public access to the mining heritage of the Tamar Valley, better quality facilities for visitors and a shot in the arm for the local economy.”
West Devon Mayor, Cllr Ken Williams, said: “It is essential for us to secure Key Centre status for Morwellham as the gateway to the World Heritage Site. Morwellham has the capacity to take many more visitors, while maintaining the quality experience for local residents who want to visit this marvellous location and appreciate its historic significance.
“ The Borough Council also see this as an opportunity to reinforce the role of Tavistock as one of England’s top market towns.”
It is expected that this will open up new investment opportunities for the Charitable Trust who run and own the site.
Dr John Goodridge, Chair of the Morwellham and Tamar Valley Trust, said: “We really appreciate the faith the local authorities have placed in the future of Morwellham. We have a clear way forward now and we mean to seize the opportunity we have been presented with.
"This is good news for Morwellham, good news for Devon and West Devon and good news for all those who value and enjoy our unique Mining Heritage.”
For further information please contact Alison Stoneham, Media Officer at West Devon Borough Council on 01822 813648 astoneham@westdevon.gov.uk or Robert Plumb, West Devon Borough Council Regeneration Officer on 01822 813620 rplumb@westdevon.gov.uk
