Royal show off to Myerscough?
Published Date:
24 May 2007
PLANS for a major new showground and rural/agricultural centre on royal land at Myerscough are getting ready for take-off.
And the plans could see the Royal Lancs Show moving from its site at Salesbury near Ribchester to Myerscough.
The Duchy of Lancaster has confirmed it is drawing up plans for the hugely ambitious project at the former Myerscough quarry.
The detailed timetable has yet to be revealed but The News has learned The Duchy is already taking soundings - including talking to officials of the Royal Lancashire Agricultural Society (RLAS) about a possible move to the site.
The Myerscough project would create the equivalent of a Tatton Park or Harrogate showground on Garstang's doorstep, attracting thousands of people.
The creation of 'Duke of Lancaster Park' has been mooted in the past, prompting worries among officials of Garstang and Great Eccleston shows, such a venture, especially if it housed the Royal Lancs, might overshadow their shows.
But now preliminary talks are definitely under way and a planning application will be submitted to Wyre Council in early 2008.
Duchy boss Mr Paul Clarke confirmed initial discussions with various interest groups were being held, including with the RLAS.
He said: "These initial talks are part of the wider discussions on draft redevelopment proposals for the whole site.
"I can confirm that our vision for the new park would ideally include a new showground for the RLAS.
"Of course, this would be subject to planning approval for the wider scheme, but we have begun to take soundings on potential support for such a move.
"As part of this exercise, we have held initial talks with RLAS who in turn will canvass their members to assess support for the principle."
Mr Clarke said expected outline proposals would be put to both Wyre Council and the local community sometime between now and the end of the year.
"The development of a new Duke of Lancaster Park is therefore very much on the cards, subject to planning approval and discussions with all relevant stakeholders."
He added he would like to see the Royal Lancs moving to Myerscough.
The Royal Lancashire Show has been held at Salesbury near Ribchester for several years.
Mr Clarke said: "As the country's oldest - and one of its most prestigious - agricultural shows, we would like to enlist the support of RLAS and provide it with a new home worthy of its history and heritage."
He stressed though that the broader scheme was not dependent upon the relocation of the Royal Lancs to the redeveloped site.
He said: "Consultants specialising in planning, design, traffic and other consultants are currently formulating proposals for the entire site at our request.
"We are extremely keen to create a new facility on this site which will help to support the local rural economy and provide something of lasting value to the people of Lancashire."
The News asked Royal Lancs chairman Mr Gordon Roberts if the 2008 show would be moving to Myerscough.
He replied: "I've no idea. I do not know. Everything is very early days."
He said RLAS officials were currently looking at two options for a possible re-location, but declined to say if Myerscough was one of them. He said the position should be clear by mid-June.
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Last Updated:
24 May 2007 2:05 PM
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Location:
Longridge