Regenerating Opportunity
Since its formation in 2004 as an independent social enterprise South Lakes Development Trust has been instrumental in successfully delivering a range of local projects for which almost £1million funding was secured by the Trust under the Lakes Market Towns Initiative. The funding has helped to deliver projects such as the development of the new performance area on The Glebe, new play equipment on Queens Park playground, the enhancement of Market Square and King Street Car Park in Ambleside, shop front improvements and contributions towards a range of community based projects. Additionally the initiative has provided the funding to deliver Towns Centre Management across the area, deliver specialised business development advice to retail businesses and, through a specialised Business Resource Centre, provide practical business support services from telephone answering to secretarial and book keeping support to help support small local businesses held back by bureaucracy. The Trust also provides small workspace units for those seeking to establish a new business, or those seeking to take the step from a home to commercially based location. SLDT has also been instrumental in driving forward a number of exciting feasibility studies, and played an integral role in helping to ensure that delivery of the Windermere Enhancement Scheme responded to local need. With exciting opportunities presented by developing plans for the future enhancement of Ellerthwaite Square and the Library Gardens, a major proposal for the development of a world class waterfront at Waterhead, and involvement in other key regeneration and economic enhancement opportunities SLDT is now positioned to play an instrumental role in helping to deliver key economic and public realm regeneration across this area.
Bill Smith, Chief Executive, SLDT