Work Starts On £5.6 Million Glasgow Canal Link
24 August 2004
Restoration project paves the way for the creation of a thriving canal quarter
Plans to create a thriving canal quarter in Glasgow have moved off the drawing board and on site with the start of works to restore a canal link between two of the city's most historic canalside locations.
The £5.6 million development will reconnect Speirs Wharf and Pinkston Basin, in Port Dundas, on the Forth & Clyde Canal after a break of 40 years. The restoration of the canal link is scheduled for completion in late 2005 with the project representing the first stage in a long-term regeneration scheme that will deliver a powerful force for positive change in North Glasgow.
Project managed by British Waterways, the waterway link could lead to the creation of new jobs in the area by unlocking up to 30 hectares (74 acres) of vacant and unused land in Port Dundas for mixed-use development and environmental improvements. The restored canal basin will provide opportunities for the creation of a thriving waterspace.
The project has been made possible through a strong partnership approach, with funding support received from Glasgow City Council; European Regional Development Fund; British Waterways' regeneration vehicle ? ISIS, and the Garfield Weston Foundation. Port Dundas is the flagship initiative in a programme being pushed forward in partnership by ISIS and GCC to regenerate a significant part of North Glasgow around the canal.
Commenting on the Port Dundas restoration, George Greener, Chairman, British Waterways, said: "I am delighted that the reconnection of the canal link is now
progressing to the next stage with the start of works on site. Glasgow City Council has been a key partner in this initiative with the support of Council Leader, Charlie Gordon, proving crucial in getting the project off the ground.
"This canalside development provides a tremendous opportunity for economic growth through the reconnection of these two historic canalside locations, and represents a productive next step in the regeneration of Scotland's Lowland canal corridor.
"There is now a growing confidence that Scotland's canal renaissance can deliver real benefits for the people of Scotland. This is due in no small part to the continued support from the Scottish Executive, with its far reaching document Scotland's Canals - An Asset for the Futureoutlining a clear vision for the development of Scotland's waterways. This latest initiative at Port Dundas represents a major milestone in transforming that regeneration vision into reality."
Councillor Charlie Gordon, Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: "The re-connection of Speirs Wharf to Pinkston Basin builds on the regeneration process started by the creation of The Millennium Link. It brings the Forth and Clyde Canal very close to Glasgow's vibrant City Centre, and mirrors the regeneration of Glasgow's River Clyde Waterfront with a new and exciting Canal Waterfront."
Laurie Russell, Chief Executive, Strathclyde European Partnership, said: "The City Council and British Waterways have been keen to add this link between the Port Dundas industrial area and The Millennium Link for some time. I am delighted that a grant of £2.3 million from the European Regional Development fund has played a significant role in making this a reality".
Wayland Pope, Isis Director for Scotland added: "We are delighted to be involved in the restoration project and are sure it will help launch our wider partnership initiative with Glasgow City Council to regenerate the canal corridor between Maryhill and Port Dundas. We believe this marks the beginning of an exciting and innovative regeneration of this canal corridor and are looking forward to working with the Council, British Waterways and the local communities in the months and years ahead."
Construction Company C Spencer Ltd of Barrow on Humber, North Lincolnshire, who undertook several contracts on The Millennium Link, have been awarded the design and build contract which includes the provision of 300 metres of new cut canal and 2 lock structures along side associated pathways. The project will be managed from the companies Glasgow office at the Pentagon Centre, Washington Street.
The aim of the long-term regeneration initiative is to generate maximum benefits for the City from the recently re-opened cross-Scotland Forth & Clyde Canal (part of the £84.5m Millennium Link project) by stimulating investment in Tourism and Recreation amenities and mixed-use development.
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Issued on behalf of British Waterways Scotland by Wave PR. For further information, aerial views of the site, or an artist's impression contact Chris Bell Tel: 0141 303 8390 Mobile: 07974 692 330
FURTHER INFORMATION
ISIS Waterside Regeneration is a regeneration vehicle formed in Summer 2002 by British Waterways, AMEC Developments and Morley Fund Management's Igloo Regeneration Fund. ISIS combines public sector assets and ethos with private sector capital and expertise and aims to become the UK's leading regenerator of waterside land within the next decade.
British Waterways Scotland is the Scottish arm of British Waterways, a public corporation. In Scotland, British Waterways cares for more than 200 miles of Scotland's canals and is accountable to the Scottish Executive. The Executive's document, 'Scotland's Canals - An Asset for the Future' was published in November 2002 and recognises the potential of the inland waterways for delivering widespread social, economic and environmental improvements, and endorses British Waterways' partnership approach to unlocking the potential of inland waterways.
British Waterways Scotland balances the conservation of waterway heritage and environment with developing commercial opportunities which generate new income to reinvest in the waterways for further sustainable regeneration and restoration.