Expansion plans for royal-backed centre
AWEST Lancashire eco centre could be getting a brand new fishing lake and holiday log cabins, less than a year after a royal visit from Prince Harry.
Cast North West in Newburgh submitted a planning application to West Lancashire Borough Council, outlining a series of major renovations to the site.
Proposed developments include the creation of a brand new fishing lake, an angling club house and holiday log cabins.
The centre helps young people to achieve through the sport of angling, horticulture and workbased learning.
Other developments proposed in the planning application include an “indoor complex needs angling building” and new landscaped areas, as well as a garden space for picnics.
The plans also include provisions for the introduction of rare breed animals and sensory gardens.
Cast North West uses angling, horticulture and work-based learning to engage with young people identified as at risk of falling out of education, training or employment.
Prince Harry visited the centre when he came to West Lancashire last summer.
Neil Farnworth is the founder of Cast North West and he said the prince was “blown away“by the centre.
Speaking to The Advertiser at the time he said: “He was blown away - he said he’s going to come back and bring his dad because he’d love to see it.”
Although a visit from the Prince of Wales hasn’t happened yet, Prince Harry certainly made a big impression during his trip to the centre.
Neil said the young people “loved it” and that the young royal spoke to them at length.
Prince Harry’s visit was part of his ongoing programme of supporting projects that promote sport as a means for social development.
West Lancashire Borough Council is expected to reach a decision on the planning application from Cast North West by June 2.
The proposed development would make a huge difference to the site, which is located on Cobbs Brow Lane in Newburgh.
Cast North West was founded in 2006 by Neil Farnworth and gained registered charity status in 2008.
The centre was based around using angling as a tool to develop respect and self esteem and break down intergenerational barriers.
As the charity started to expand, Cast developed an education package which embedded literacy and numeracy around the sport of angling.