Background
Beginning in 2002, consultants, consulting engineers, architects and contractors have been involved in surveying the Weir, providing assessments of the structure its condition and stability and quotations for the cost of restoration. In addition, surveys have been produced showing damage and dilapidations with a reference system of its geometry.
The Environment Agency, Peak District National Park Authority (PDNPA) have also been involved.
In 2004 CWRP became a legal entity and subsequently secured a Development Grant of £50,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund to evolve a comprehensive plan to restore Calver Weir and associated heritage features and to conserve the adjacent wetlands.
A tender process was launched whereby several civil engineering consultants and contractors where invited to tender for restoration work, including the aesthetic restoration of the exposed parts of the Weir, provision for post construction maintenance, a programme for construction and a comprehensive and detailed estimate of the costs involved.
Proposals were accepted from Donaldsons (civil engineers) and Tomlinson & Sons Ltd (contractor) which in conjunction with the CWRP civil engineer, formed the basis of an application to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for £1.244m. This application also contained plans for widening the audience interested in the site and improving access to the site for local residents and visitors.
In September 2009 HLF awarded the grant, which contributed to the total cost of the project of £1.676m. The £432,000 difference, so called match funding was secured by a grant of £100,000 from English Heritage and other donations from PDNPA, local businesses and residents and volunteer labour, valued but defined as non cash contributions.
In June 2009, CWRP became aware of pending legislation, The Marine and Coatal Access Bill which would affect Calver Weir in the event of restoration work. In essence all owners of structures like the Weir could be required to instal fish passes to improve the migration of fish. The cost of the erection of a fish pass on Calver Weir was £165,000 which CWRP directors and trustees could become liable for once restoration work began. This overhanging liability was not one which CWRP could contenance and in the absence of funding representations were made to Derfa/EA in an effort to obtain a letter of comfort for say 20 years before an edict for a fish pass was issued or financial support in order to fund its insatallation. In September 2009 Defra/EA granted CWRP £165,000 for the erection of a fish pass which increased the cost of total project to £1.841m.
