Council to set aside land for bell foundry’s future
AN AREA of council-owned land is set to be given to Taylor’s Bell Foundry to help support its future.
Charnwood borough councillors agreed in principle to transfer ownership of the land at a Cabinet meeting on Thursday (November 16).
The small piece of land is just under 4,000 square foot and will be used as part of planned major development at the bell foundry.
The Loughborough Bellfoundry Trust has submitted a £10m bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund to support the project.
If the application is successful, the council will transfer the land to the foundry at zero cost. It will provide a new entrance, employee office space and a new national bell archive, which are critical to the development of the business.
Taylor’s is now the only major bell foundry in the UK and the largest in the world. The project aims to secure its long-term future by protecting its heritage, providing education and research and attracting more visitors.
Coun Eric Vardy, lead member for planning, inward investment and tourism strategy said: “I’m pleased that cabi- net has agreed in principle to transfer the land to the bell foundry.
“Taylor’s is a vital part of our local heritage and it’s important that it’s preserved for the future.
“The council is committed to supporting the economic development of the borough, including helping local businesses to grow.
“This development would also increase tourism and benefit local residents through the regeneration of the area.”
Andrew Wilby, chairman of John Taylor & Co, speaking on behalf of the Trustees of the Loughborough Bellfoundry Trust, said: “We are very grateful for this support from the council. The proposed developments will help ensure the longterm future for bellfounding in Loughborough and help sustain the world renown, unique craft skills and employment in this area.”
The decision will come into force subject to a call-in period of five working days from the date the decision is published.
For more information about economic development and regeneration in Charnwood visit: www.charnwood.gov.uk/ economic_development_and_regeneration. To find out more about the Bell Foundry visit: www.taylorbells.co.uk/ web/