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19 March 2002
The biggest ever programme of waterway restorations, valued at over £500 million, is to be unveiled today (19 March) by British Waterways.
The two-stage programme covers over 300 miles of canals and waterway structures to be restored or newly-built, which are backed by a broad range of partnerships and public support.
The first phase - to open some 220 miles of canals and structures - is being completed in 2002. This includes the internationally-significant Scheduled Ancient Monument, Anderton Boat Lift - the forerunner for all such lifts in the world - which reopens on 26 March, and the Falkirk Wheel in Scotland - designed for the 21st century and the world's first-ever rotating boat lift, which opens to the public on 1 May.
A programme of nine further canal restoration and new waterway schemes will be announced by British Waterways in partnership with independent charity, The Waterways Trust. Covering 100 miles of waterways, from London to the Lake District, the programme includes the first new canal to be designed for a century - the Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway.
George Greener, chairman of British Waterways, says: "Canals were catalysts for economic growth two centuries ago, and with our partners we're restoring and opening them as fast as they were originally built. Today, waterways are still catalysts - and millions are benefiting in communities throughout the UK.
"Our current programme is set to deliver £100 million into local economies every year, from Scotland to the south of England, and to create 13,000 new permanent jobs."
The first phase of eight projects is funded and supported by a broad range of partners, including the Millennium Commission and Heritage Lottery Fund, The Waterways Trust, local authorities, volunteers, local communities, RDAs and many more. They are: the coast-to-coast Millennium Link in Scotland, reconnecting Glasgow to Edinburgh by waterway and including the Falkirk Wheel; the Rochdale Canal and Huddersfield Narrow Canal which cross the Pennines; the Millennium Ribble Link, the first new navigation to be built for 100 years; Anderton Boat Lift; the ongoing restoration of the Chesterfield Canal; and the Kennet & Avon Canal, connecting the Thames to the Avon across southern England.
Huge engineering, environmental and social challenges have been overcome in delivering these eight projects, including where motorways and even town centres had been built over canal routes; protection of rare species and nationally-important wildlife habitats; restoration of hundreds of listed structures; and consultation and liaison with local communities.
British Waterways' vision, working with The Waterways Trust, is to form the new partnerships to deliver nine more restoration and new canal projects which, together, can attract over five million new visitors and deliver jobs, environmental, recreational and social benefits to communities in many more parts of Britain.
George Greener adds: "Waterways are about people. We have to continue to unlock the waterways so that they fulfil their potential to improve people's lives in a way that is sustainable for the long term."
The nine new projects to be unveiled by British Waterways tomorrow, in partnership with The Waterways Trust, are:
Roger Hanbury, chief executive of The Waterways Trust, says: "Accessible to all, rich in heritage and important havens for wildlife, inland waterways provide a peaceful and tranquil environment for everyone. With so much to offer we are committed to raising the funds and facilitating the restorations that will bring many more waterways back to life."
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Further information from British Waterways press office:
Vanessa Wiggins 01923 201361
Kate Griffin 01923 201292
Eugene Baston 01923 201404
Sharon Atkinson 01923 201166
Owen Cogswell 01923 201348
Notes for editors are attached. This includes brief details of all the current reopenings, plus the programme of nine restoration projects announced on
19 March.
NOTES FOR EDITORS
British Waterways
British Waterways is the public corporation responsible for the care and enhancement of the nation's 2,000-mile two centuries old network of canals and rivers, working in partnerships with public, private and voluntary organisations to develop and improve the waterways in a sustainable manner - for the benefit of everyone.
The Waterways Trust
The Waterways Trust was established in 1999 to promote greater public enjoyment and awareness of the UK's waterways; to develop partnerships to secure funding for the conservation and restoration of waterways; and help to realise the social, environmental, educational and economic potential of living waterways.
Press enquiries: Antony Tiernan, tel 01923 201208
The eight current restorations
Eight restoration projects are being completed by British Waterways, with its partners, and will all be reopened by the end of 2002.
Anderton Boat Lift
Anderton Boat Lift was built in 1875 to carry cargo-carrying boats between the River Weaver and the Trent & Mersey Canal 50 feet above. A Scheduled Ancient Monument, the lift was closed in 1983 when deterioration of the structure made it unsafe. Great care has been taken to preserve its unique appearance and heritage value. Restoration has been funded by grants of £3.3 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund, £500,000 from English Heritage and fundraising by The Waterways Trust.
Chesterfield Canal
The Chesterfield Canal originally stretched 46 miles from the River Trent at West Stockwith to Chesterfield and much of it was closed in 1967. The first stage of restoration was completed in 2000 and the current phase is due for completion at the end of 2002. Funding has come from a range of partners, including local RDAs and the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Huddersfield Narrow Canal
Popularly known as the 'impossible restoration' due to the difficulties and expense of reopening the 3 1/4-mile long Standedge Tunnel (famously the longest, deepest and highest waterway tunnel in the country), the Huddersfield Narrow Canal was reopened to the public last year after being closed for over 50 years. The project was funded by the Millennium Commission (£14.8m) and English Partnerships. .
The Kennet & Avon Canal
The 87-mile long Kennet & Avon Canal connects the River Thames at Reading to the Bristol Avon and has some of the finest canal architecture in the country. Closed in the 1950s, it was partly restored and reopened in 1990, following years of work and campaigning by dedicated volunteers. The final phase of works will protect it for the long-term future. Full restoration is funded by the largest-ever Heritage Lottery Fund Grant of £25 million. .
Millennium Link & Falkirk Projects
The world's first rotating boat lift, the Falkirk Wheel, is the centrepiece of the £84.5 million Millennium Link project to reconnect the Forth & Clyde and Union canals between Glasgow and Edinburgh and coast to coast across Scotland. The Millennium Link project is the biggest canal restoration ever - 68 miles long. Funding has come from a unique funding partnership, including the Millennium Commission (£32 million).
The Falkirk Wheel stands 115 feet high and is set to become a major visitor attraction. Its striking innovative design has won praise from the Royal Fine Art Commission for Scotland. .
Millennium Ribble Link
Finally completes part of an ambitious scheme begun in the 18th century to build a canal from Wigan to Kendal. Connects the Lancaster canal to the main waterway network via the Ribble estuary. The scheme creates a linear water park including a new navigation, footpaths and cycle routes, environmental protection and an arts trail. Backed by a grant of £2.7 million from the Millennium Commission and owned by The Waterways Trust. .
Rochdale Canal
Known as the 'Everest' of canals because it rises through 600 feet and over 91 locks. After 50 years of closure, restoration was finally made possible with a £11.9 million Millennium Commission grant and match-funding by English Partnerships. The reopened Rochdale Canal, owned by The Waterways Trust, will provide a direct waterway link between major urban areas and across the Pennines.
The nine new restoration projects announced 19 March 2002
These are the nine priority restoration and construction projects announced by British Waterways with The Waterways Trust. They represent the projects that have the best chance to be taken forwards over the next few years. There are many other restoration projects which British Waterways and The Waterways Trust are supporting.
Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway
A brand new waterway to connect the Grand Union Canal to the River Great Ouse, enabling navigation between the main canal network and the waterways of East Anglia. The first new waterway to be designed for the 21st century, it will use innovative engineering solutions. A partnership has formed backing this scheme and consulting with local communities. The new 20-mile of waterway will kick start regional economic growth, creating leisure, business and employment opportunities. .
Bow Back Rivers
The Bow Back Rivers are a network of tributaries of the River Lee Navigation in east London. Having fallen into decline, they now thread through a largely derelict but strategically important area and have great potential for revitalisation. British Waterways has commissioned a technical, economic and environmental feasibility study into the project to be completed by summer 2002. .
Cotswold Canals
The 37-mile Cotswold Canals project involves restoration of the Thames & Severn and the Stroudwater canals to rejoin the rivers Thames and Severn. The restoration will bring an estimated 1.8 million new visitors to the area and create 500 new permanent jobs. Much conservation work has been achieved by volunteer organisations. A formal partnership is working towards restoration and a feasibility report has been published by British Waterways and The Waterways Trust. .
Droitwich Canals
Restoration of one of the first and last canals in the country, both of which closed in 1939. It will provide a new 71/2 -mile waterway, linking the River Severn and the Worcester & Birmingham Canal, creating a unique 21-mile cruising ring. Environmental improvements will include new habitats to support key species such as otters, birds, water voles and amphibians. .
British Waterways and The Waterways Trust have carried out a feasibility study on behalf of the partnership backing the scheme.
Foxton Inclined Plane
Located on the Leicester Line of the Grand Union Canal, Foxton Inclined Plane was built in 1900 to replace a flight of 10 locks. Boats entered wheeled tanks of water which travelled sideways on rails between the two levels of the canal, a 75ft height difference. It was substantially demolished in 1927. A partnership has been formed to drive restoration plans forward. .
Liverpool Extension to the Leeds & Liverpool Canal
Scheme to create a link between all the Liverpool docks and a vibrant new waterfront for the city. The new 1 1/4-mile canal would connect to the western end of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal and the national canal network, attracting boats to the city, providing animation and a focus for visitors. British Waterways is working closely with Liverpool City Council and Liverpool Vision and consulting with local people. .
Mancester Bolton & Bury Canal
Situated within the north Manchester conurbation, the Manchester Bolton & Bury Canal closed in 1962. The first phase of restoration will link from the River Irwell to Bury and Bolton town centres. The DTLR has funded a navigable tunnel as part of road works to protect future restoration prospects. Local authorities and other partners are working with British Waterways and The Waterways Trust. .
Montgomery Canal
The Montgomery Canal is an internationally-important habitat for floating water plantain (luronium natans), for which it is one of the most important sites in the world. Much of the canal is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in recognition of its value for wildlife. British Waterways and its partners, including the Countryside Council for Wales and English Nature, are working to secure a sustainable restoration to protect the wildlife. .
The Northern Reaches Of The Lancaster Canal
Construction of the M6 motorway in the 1960s severed the northern 14 miles of the Lancaster Canal. With the opening of the Millennium Ribble Link this summer, the Lancaster will be connected to the national waterway network, increasing hopes for restoration for the Northern Reaches which would bring rural regeneration to a region severely affected by the 2001 Foot and Mouth outbreak. .
(c)British Waterways, Willow Grange, Church Road, Watford, WD17 4QA
Telephone 01923 201 120 : enquiries.hq@britishwaterways.co.uk
For previous news items see the
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© 2001 Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Trust
