THE future of Morwellham Quay, a vital gateway to the Cornwall and West Devon World Heritage Site, has been secured, following an agreement to sell the business and its historic assets.

Grant Thornton UK LLP, administrators acting on behalf of Devon County Council since last September, announced yesterday (Wednesday) that it had reached an agreement to sell the Morwellham and Tamar Valley Trust, and Morwellham Trading Co Ltd, to Simon and Valerie Lister, owners of Bicton Park Gardens at East Budleigh. Completion is set for April 20.

The new owners of Morwellham are no strangers to sites of historic significance. Bicton Park has a museum packed with artefacts from Devon's rural life over three centuries.

Its gardens, which date from 1735 onwards, are home to rare plants from all over the world and contain one of the finest collections of trees in England. It also has historic glasshouses, nature trails and a miniature railway — in addition to modern play facilities for children.

Simon Lister said he and his wife, who took on the challenge of Bicton Park 12 years ago, were 'very excited' about taking Morwellham into a new era.

Mr Lister said: 'It's very early days yet.

'We are hoping to be open for the summer, and we certainly won't be making any massive changes, so people don't need to worry about that.

'We are looking forward to bringing it back to its heyday.'

Morwellham Quay ceased operating last year, after the county council, which had already advanced it £1.2-million in support, refused to grant further subsidy from taxpayers' money. It had also received substantial funding from West Devon Borough Council.

Grant Thornton set a guide price of £1.1-million for the historic site. Its sale has been complicated, with the legal position needing to be established regarding grants already secured from public bodies.

Cllr James McInnes, leader of West Devon Borough Council, said: 'We are delighted that the future of this jewel in the Tamar Valley's crown has been secured.

'We look forward to working alongside the new owners and I'm sure the residents of West Devon and beyond will support this new opportunity to protect and open up one of the historic gems of the South West.'

The leader of Devon County Council, Cllr John Hart, welcomed the news saying: 'The new ownership will put Morwellham Quay on a more financially secure footing, and I wish them well for the future in these exciting times.'

The Morwellham and Tamar Valley Trust was an important partner in the Tamar Valley Mining Heritage Project, with conservation works and the construction of a new orientation centre planned to take place at the quay.

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) awarded a grant of £2,331,000 to the borough council for the Tamar Valley Mining Heritage Project in October 2006. To date, £1.5-million of this grant has been released by the HLF.

Tim Selman, of Tamar Valley Mining Heritage Project, said: 'Morwellham is such an important place within the Tamar Valley and has been at the core of so much of our work in the AONB and World Heritage Site.  

'We are really looking forward to building a new productive partnership with the Listers which can enable the Tamar Valley Mining Heritage Project to complete its work at Morwellham and in the surrounding area.'

Nigel Morrison and David Matthews, of Grant Thornton, worked closely with the

secured creditors of Morwellham, com-prising Devon County Council and West Devon Borough Council, who supported and approved the sale to Mr and Mrs Lister.

Nigel Morrison, partner at Grant Thornton's recovery and reorganisation practice, said: 'We are delighted to have successfully completed a transaction that is designed to ensure that this unique visitor attraction remains open to the public.'

David Matthews, director at Grant Thornton paid tribute to the work of David Pomeroy, of Ashfords LLP, and John Kinsey, of King Sturge LLP , who were 'instrumental to achieving the sale of Morwellham and in bringing about such a positive outcome'.