By Angela Green: Local businesses come out in force to support Roanhead Lodge Resort.
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A group of sixteen local businesses have written to Westmorland and Furness Council in support of plans brought forward by specialist hospitality developer, ILM Group, to build a sustainable eco-lodge resort on the Furness Peninsula.
The organisations, who collectively account for 80% of the commercial presence in the Askam & Ireleth area, have each made representations in favour of the proposed delivery of 233 lodges at Roanhead Farm. Amongst the businesses are local pubs, car garages, food outlets, hair and beauty businesses, Marsh Farm Caravan Site, Askam Post Office, Charnley’s Garden Centre, and two local sports clubs: Duddon Sports & Social Club and Askam Rugby League Club.
Independent economic consultants, Hatch, project that Roanhead Lodge Resort will inject tens of millions into the local economy, providing an estimated £10.8m annually in visitor spending for Cumbria, predominantly in Barrow-in-Furness. The resort’s construction is anticipated to generate 209 jobs and, once operational, it is projected to create 184 permanent positions, primarily for Barrow-in-Furness and Cumbria residents. Additionally, there will be a training academy offering apprenticeship roles across a variety of sectors, with ILM Group stating that they will work with local education providers to ensure local people have access to these opportunities.
In recognition of this, the letters of support highlight the “significant promise” and “numerous benefits” that the organisations believe the project would bring to the community and local businesses.
“One compelling reason for supporting this project is the potential to attract more people to our area. The resort will undoubtedly create a new focal point of interest, drawing visitors from various locations to our businesses in Askam. This increased footfall will not only benefit the resort itself but also provide a welcome boost to the Furness economy,” one wrote.
One such supporter of the resort is Lee Stoller, who runs Stollers furniture store in Barrow. In a letter to the Council, Mr Stoller praised the training and employment opportunities that will be provided and stated that “the level of economic investment would be substantial”.
Speaking on the opportunities for Barrow, he said that the area “has not fully benefitted from Cumbria’s otherwise booming tourism sector, despite being an area with a lot to offer. The proposals for Roanhead Lodge Resort can help to grow the visitor economy by encouraging people to explore and spend in this part of the county, which will be of benefit to our local business community and the people who live and work here.”
Mr Stoller went on to acknowledge the amenities that the resort will provide, specifically the hospitality and leisure facilities which he states are “desperately needed in this area.”
John Parrott, owner of Polly’s Plaice fish and chip shop said: “I’ve been conducting business in Askam-in-Furness for 22 years and the recent economic decline, marked by multiple closures of local businesses, has been a real setback for our community. Therefore, the prospect of a new resort presents a significant opportunity for rejuvenation and will be a great facility for people locally as well as the families of BAE workers.”
Marc Charnley, owner of Charnley’s Garden Centre said: “As a business in Dalton-in-Furness, it’s encouraging to see significant investment come into the area and the inevitable increase in footfall this will bring. The region has long grappled with job market diversity, and the prospect of numerous job and training opportunities, including in the hospitality sector, is undeniably positive news. This influx not only promises economic growth but also offers hope for a more vibrant and inclusive local economy.”
Andrew Coutts, CEO of ILM Group commented: “This project represents a significant investment into the region which will have wider benefits for the local economy and community. I am delighted our proposals have received support from local businesses who have recognised the positive impact the resort will have on the area.”