A LACK of investors has sunk hopes of turning a canal into a £3.5m watersports centre. 


Plans for the proposed Ulverston Watersports Centre. <a href=http://www.cnnewmedia.co.uk/locker/nw/image/ulverston-watersports-centre-plan.jpg">Click here</a> to see a larger view Last year Engineering Paddler Designs, the team behind the Lee Valley White Water Centre which hosted the canoe slalom event at London 2012, put forward a concept for an Ulverston watersports centre. 

If given the go ahead the scheme could have seen Ulverston Canal transformed into a rapid whitewater course for one of the UK’s fastest growing sports.

However despite the popularity of the idea among local residents it has been unable to attract any investors.

The proposed sports centre would cost around £3.5million to build and so far no suitable location has been put forward.

Lead consultant at EPD, Andy Laird, said: "At the moment we have nothing other than enthusiasm and a designer who does this kind of thing around the world.

"The canal is an ideal site and it would be well used given the demographics and diverse user groups in South Lakes.

"At the moment there’s no real body to carry and take the client role. To start from nothing other than broad enthusiasm is very difficult."

The Whitehaven-based company created the successful Pinkston Watersports Centre in Glasgow which Mr Laird hoped would be a template for the Ulverston project.

He said: "Enquiries were made to Cumbria County Council but nothing has come about as of yet and it's clear that they have other priorities at the moment due to the recent infrastructure damage from the flooding."

The proposed plans wouldn't just benefit watersports fanatics but could also be used by Cumbria Fire and Rescue service for their training needs and Mountain Rescue teams for flood rescue training. 

The Facebook group 'Ulverston Watersports' has attracted almost 800 likes.

Colin Smith, chairman of The Friends of Ulverston Canal, said: "I think it would have been an excellent facility for the area. It's a good idea and a good plan but unless they have the backers it's just not going to happen. 

"It was such a brilliant community-based idea that I think it would have worked well for Ulverston." 

Cumbria County Council were unable to provide a comment.