British Ironwork Centre 'brings £4 million boost to Shropshire economy'
Shropshire's British Ironwork Centre - which needs planning permission to allow it to continue operating - pumps about £4 million a year into the local economy, development experts said today.
The British Ironwork Centre, on the edge of Oswestry, is an important tourism attraction for Shropshire, according to the county's Economic Growth Service.
But the Highways Agency wants more details on a proposed improved access.
Owners of the centre have applied for retrospective planning permission to operate on the land at Whitehall, just south of the town.
In a report to Shropshire Council's planning committee, the Economic Growth Service says it supports the application, which it says has a significant impact on the Oswestry's local economy, its rural hinterland and population.
It says: "The enterprise is an important tourism attraction which brings in a large number of visitors who also go on to visit Oswestry helping to underpin and sustain local shops and associated services in the town.
"The integration of the former Shropshire Council-run Tourism Information Centre into the scheme will also help to stimulate the local tourist economy pinpointing local facilities.
"The business already makes a financial contribution to the economy of up to £4m and plays an important role in supporting the local supply chain with up to 140 local businesses in the area."
Economic development officers say the business is a significant employer with around 60-70 staff and opportunities for volunteering.
The report adds: "The annual payroll into the economy is in the region of £1m. The centre also works closely with local colleges, training providers and Shropshire Council offering support for those with special needs and learning difficulties. Workshops and start-up space in the former agricultural buildings provides opportunities for new business and new job creation."
Comments from the Highways Agency call on Shropshire Council to defer making a decision on the application until it has more details about proposed improvements to the entrance and exit from the site from the A5 trunk road.
The British Ironwork Centre is the home of the Spoon Gorilla and the Knife Angel which is being created with knives donated by police forces across the country. It has applied for official planning permission for its centre.
It wants the legal go-ahead for a change of use of land and buildings, the building of extensions to form an enterprise centre, the formation of visitor parking areas, camping field, nature reserve and children's play area and the provision of external display areas.
