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Canalside tribute plan unveiled
From the archive, first published Thursday 9th Mar 2006.
A MULTI-million pound complex called the Fred Dibnah Experience could be built beside a stretch of Bolton's disused canal.
Developers have put together a series of proposals which, if approved by planning chiefs, would take shape on land near Rock Hall, off Hall Lane, Little Lever.
The plans -- which are still in the early stages -- include a visitor centre celebrating Fred's life, a restaurant, hotel and children's play area.
Bolton property developer and former club owner Eddie Grindrod and business partner Nigel Liston are willing to give part of a five-acre site they own beside the canal to the project, which would be funded through British Waterways grants.
Mr Grindrod said: "The centre would create something that the people of Bolton would enjoy and it would be a real tourist attraction. It's a real possibility -- British Waterways has been very positive."
He added: "This won't be done in isolation, we want to hear people's views."
The buildings would be built to an 18th century design and the main visitor centre would feature Fred mementoes, pictures, possessions and would play films featuring the Bolton steeplejack.
But no money has been guaranteed yet and the development, which is in Bolton's greenbelt, would have to go before Bolton Council's planning committee.
Members of The Manchester, Bolton and Bury Canal Society believe the scheme would breathe life into the area.
Society co-founder John Fletcher said: "Any commemoration of Fred that involves the canal is something we would support because Fred loved the canals. And in regeneration terms, this could be superb."
Bill Greenhalgh, of the Bolton Civic Trust, said: "It's a very good idea. We are having a statue of Fred in Bolton town centre but I don't want to see any of Fred's stuff leaving Bolton.
"The centre would be of enormous benefit to Bolton, and that specific area was Fred's stomping ground.
"He was president of the Bolton and Bury Preservation Society.
"The development would be subject to various grants, but it is feasible. Fred would have liked the idea because he loved the canals."
Farnworth ward Cllr James Lord said: "Getting permission for the development will be hard because it is in the greenbelt.
"It is rare but, in exceptional circumstances, problems can be overcome. The centre is a brilliant idea and I fully support it. The benefits would be considerable."
The Bolton and District Civic Trust, in conjunction with the Bolton Evening News, is spearheading the Fred Dibnah Memorial Appeal to extend the glass encased Hick Hargreaves steam engine in Oxford Street, Bolton, to include a statue to Fred, who lost his battle against cancer in 2004.
Donations to the appeal can be made at Lloyds TSB, Hotel Street, Bolton.
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