Last updated at 16:21, Monday, 06 October 2008

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PROPOSALS which will shape the future of a South Lakeland town have gone on public display.

Hundreds of people clamoured to view plans for the redevelopment of key sites in Grange at an exhibition yesterday.

They include Berners Pool, Berners Close Car Park and the now derelict lido on the Edwardian promenade.

It was the first time the five options – put forward by firms all vying to be chosen as the town’s preferred developer – have been subject to public scrutiny.

The developers range from multinational supermarket chain Tesco and private development companies such as Maple Grove, Cityheart and Stonewell Property Ltd to a consortium of local businessmen who have set up the Berners Vision Partnership.

All five detailed proposals on show include the construction of a new health centre and bridge linking the sites with the town’s promenade while four would have a swimming pool for public use.

Hotels, affordable homes, sheltered accommodation, art and exhibition space and a bowling green also feature in the designs.

Peter Knapton, of NPS Group – South Lakeland District Council’s property arm – said the turnout and interest from residents had been “incredible”.

Mr Knapton said: “We had 100 people come through the doors in the first hour and it has continued to be very busy. We are really pleased people in Grange are taking such an interest because they have a unique opportunity to help choose a developer for the town.”

Tesco’s plan includes a new health centre, foodstore, a new bridge over the railway tracks and an arts and business centre in the lido.

Berners Pool would also be overhauled to include extraleisure facilities.

Steve Callan, speaking on behalf of Tesco, said the firm had the financial means to carry out the plans.

“A report commissioned by the district council found the town needed a medium sized supermarket. This plan combines this with some of the services the public said they want to see here.”

Stephen Watson of Cityheart described how the development company wanted to see private housing, a primary health care centre and hotel on the sites coupled with a revamped Berners Pool and a bowling green on the lido site. Mr Watson said: “We have already had interest from Bowls England which sees this as a regional finals venue bringing people into the town. But there are other aspects in the proposal which we feel will benefit the town enormously.”

A display from Maple Grove Ltd, the firm responsible for the popular Wainwright’s Yard development, includes 42 contemporary apartments, a new health centre, refurbishment of the existing pool and demolition of the lido in favour of a public piazza.

Architect Ian Beaumont said: “We are very sensitive to the fact that people put a lot into Berners Pool and we want to refurbish the building. There is also a lot of interest in what the lido could be used for as an area for the public to use.”

Plans from Stonewell Property Ltd rule a pool out as being unsustainable in the long term but claim sales of the first stage of their development would provide match-funding for the town’s 3Ps project.

Under this proposal the lido would become a sunken garden with arts and exhibition space. Terry Powell, for Stonewell, said: “For a pool to be sustainable here every resident would have to use it at least 38 times a year just to break even. We feel affordable housing, sheltered living accommodation and a doctors surgery is more viable for the sites.”

The Berners Vision Partnership would see a health centre, luxury retirement hotel, swimming pool and leisure centre and café, play area and fitness studio at the lido.

South Lakeland hotelier Jonathan Denby, pledged the proposals would provide buildings and leisure facilities of which the town could be proud.

Mr Denby said: “We have local knowledge and expertise in these fields for this scheme. We want to make sure the town doesn’t end up with another mistake like Berners Pool.”

A final decision will be based on a points system – with public opinion accounting for 20 per cent.

The announcement is likely to be in November.

Jenni Rushton, proprietor of the Grange Hotel, viewed the proposals with interest.

Mrs Rushton said: “The scheme we want to see succeed, as residents, is the one that delivers the most to the town and its community.”

First published at 12:06, Wednesday, 24 September 2008
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk