The Paper Trail has unveiled its plans for the next development phase of the heritage site at Apsley, and has received full commitment from the Paper Federation (PrintWeek, 24 August).

PaperCom Europe secretary Peter Ingram said that the endorsement "opens numerous doors for funding opportunities, with organisations such as the Department of Trade and Industry, and the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs".

Discussions are now taking place with the BPIF, said Ingram, who felt that the Paper Trail plans fitted in with some features of the BPIFs industry competitiveness study Print 21.

The design and business plans were unveiled at the Papex 2001 exhibition in Manchester. They outlined the development of the site to include an academy of print and paper communication, a working paper mill, and a science and innovation centre.

Reaction at the show was very positive, with "lots of potential interest from paper machinery manufacturers," Ingram said.

A model of the Apsley Paper Trail development site, sponsored by papermaker Tullis Russell, was also unveiled.

Ingram said the project, which already has the full backing of Dacorum Borough Council, would submit a planning application by the end of this month, outlining more detailed proposals for the development of the Apsley Paper Trail site.

An open day for industry personnel to visit the site is also planned for early November.

Story by Andy Scott