A NEW bridge over the River Tamar for walkers, cyclists and horse riders and a new Tamar Valley centre at Drakewalls could be built as part of two major regeneration projects which could help revitalise the Tamar Valley.
The Tamar Valley Regeneration Work ? for which the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Service is currently bidding ? has been split into two main sections: The Tamar Mines Project and the East Cornwall Regeneration Project (Phase 2).
Tamar Valley AONB services manager Tim Selman was optimistic about the outcome.
?The projects have taken four years to get this far ? a reflection of the complex nature of big funding bids ? but so far over £4 million has been either promised or secured and we are finishing bids for the rest,? he said.
?We remain optimistic about starting the work over the next year.
?The projects are the result of a large partnership and rely on the goodwill and co-operation of the whole local community if they are to come to fruition,? he said.
?They are a major economic reinvestment in the landscape, environment and heritage of the area.?
The Tamar Mines Project will involve conservation and safety works to mine sites ? including Devon Great Consoles ? along with a reinvestment programme at Morwellham, stabilisation of three chimney stacks, development of an extensive trail network, construction of the new bridge over the River Tamar, and other projects.
A bid for £5.2 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund, South West Regional Development Agency, Objective 2, local authorities and private sector partners has been put in place.
The East Cornwall Regeneration Project (Phase 2), which will follow on from the successful first phase project, aims to safeguard and stimulate the local economy through an integrated programme of industrial heritage works, environmental enhancements, expansion of visitor recreational resources and assistance to help local producers take advantage of the demand for local goods.
A bid for £2.1 million has been made for this work from Objective 1, South West Regional Development Agency, local authorities and private sector partners.
It is hoped the phase two project will fund a new Tamar Valley visitor centre ? built using wood from local woodlands ? at Drakewalls, which will act as a marketing and community focus to help celebrate and promote the valley. The building could also house Calstock Parish Council.
There will be the chance to learn more about the projects at a free exhibition at Gulworthy Village Hall tomorrow (Friday) from 2pm to 7pm and Saturday from 10.30am to 2pm.
There will also be a slide show and the chance to talk to the people involved, register you comments and discover more about the World Heritage Site and the the Tamar Valley AONB.
For more details call 01822 610676.