Project Title

UPPER DON TOURISM AND BUSINESS CENTRE

Code

V9

Project summary

Possible site is former Lowoods Refractory and brickworks along Station Road, Deepcar, extending to where land restoration is taking place (location of tyre dump fire). A large area is designated Fringe Industry and Business under Sheffield's UDP. It can accommodate a wide range of uses, including tourism and leisure. The location is ideal for connections/routes to the Barnsley countryside through recreational trails, etc. The centre could act as a signpost for other recreational activities in the whole Upper Don area (climbing, sailing in Ewden, walking, cycling, horse riding, golf), as well as heritage sites such as Wortley Forge along River Don and the proposed heritage trails ('Ten Thousand Years of Human History'). Potential for light railway link with Sheffield using existing railway track as well as good bus connection.

Example of good practice (for tourism element): Elsecar Heritage Centre.

Project management

Feasibility study
Close consultation with stakeholders
Site restoration and landscaping
Construction of facilities, business units, new access route to site
Onward maintenance.

Project locations

Large site.
Former Lowoods Refractory and brickworks between Station Road and Manchester Road, Deepcar.

Planning permission

YES

Project links

Outdoor shop
Possible new base for SSVUDP
Recycling centre (E3)
Equestrian centre (V5)
Community farm (V8)
A countryside skills training centre and environmental education centre
Cycle and cycle hire/repair shop
Tourist information centre
Heritage trails (T2)

Economic Implications

Funding - set up costs

Set up costs are expected to be very high, so very large sources of money required.

Funding - running costs

Employment

Big potential if business units created together with outdoor shops, training centre and countryside management project base for SSVUDP.

Tourism

Could play a key role in generating tourism in the area.

Social Implications

Community involvement

The community should be involved in consultation at an early stage. A project group could be formed to include representatives of the various community forums in Stocksbridge and Deepcar, who would keep local community informed of progress, etc.

Schools involvement

Education aspects could be addressed by countryside skills training centre that would cater for school visits and/or more practical involvement.

Recreational benefits

Importance of the site would be to signpost and provide visitors with information on a range of local recreational activities.

Environmental Implications

Local Agenda 21

Countryside skills training centre to focus on sustainable/organic farming habitat management, etc. to fit in with LA 21 process.

Wildlife

Training centre to cater for techniques for wildlife sensitive farming. Possible to earmark some parts as a small wetland area - marsh/cotton grass bog is present on the site (with several species of dragonfly and damsel already recorded) and would be useful to retain as a feature. However, source of water here is 'ochre' from old mine workings (coal and gannister). Areas along the river are also of interest with mature alder birch and willow woodland, with some ancient woodland indicators such as bluebell. An up to date study of the interest of the site should be a requirement.

Project viability

Constraints

Complex project with high levels of funding.
Require a high level of research and funding.
Potential high onward maintenance costs.