EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

  The NWDA has worked in partnership with North West British Waterways (BW) on a number of regeneration and tourism initiatives over the last ten across the region. The following provides evidence where NWDA have collaborated with BW to effectively deliver regeneration projects in the North West.

1.  GREATER MANCHESTER PROJECTS

  1.1  Manchester Bolton & Bury Canal (Phase One is due for completion by June 2008): The NWDA is working with BW to restore the first phase of the former Canal. This short 500 metre long first phase passes through a major regeneration site (Middlewood Locks) within what is now the Central Salford URC's area. It will restore the former Canal's connection to the navigable section of the River Irwell, and hence to the wider canal network.

  1.2  Rochdale Canal Restoration (completed 2002): A project match funded by the NWDA for the restoration of the canal to navigate between Manchester City Centre and the Pennine border. The project delivered substantial environmental improvements and removal of areas of dereliction and set the scene to stimulate further waterside economic activity through some important deprived urban areas in particular New East Manchester Urban Regeneration Company area.

  1.3  Huddersfield Narrow Canal Restoration (completed 2001): The project involved the reopening of the Huddersfield Canal as a cross Pennine waterway route by removing a number of blockages including reopening the Standedge Tunnel. By reopening the canal to navigation it provided a valuable tourist attraction as well as stimulating economic development at a number of important nodal points along the canal including the town centres of Stalybridge and Slaithwaite across the Pennines.

2.  MERSEYSIDE PROJECTS

  2.1  Liverpool Canal Link (due for completion 2008): The project comprises the construction of a new 2km navigable Canal Link from the Central Docks, across the Pier Head to the Albert Dock. The Canal Link will provide a significant boost to existing visitor numbers and expenditure within the Liverpool Waterfront location. Attracting approximately 118,000 additional visitors per annum and creating 147 jobs. It will also lever in £9.41 million public funding from other organisations. The Liverpool Canal Link supports the continuing regeneration aims of partner organisations for the Liverpool Waterfront.

  2.2  Mersey Waterfront: BW is a member of the Mersey Waterfront Steering Group for Pride in Our Promenades ("PIOP's"): this is a major programme of improvements to the 43kms of hard promenade around the Mersey.

3.  CHESHIRE & WARRINGTON

  3.1  Northwich Vision (2004): The NWDA is also one of the partners, alongside BW, in the Northwich Regeneration Partnership, which was formed to drive forward the redevelopment of Northwich town centre. BW has significant landholdings in Northwich and will be a key partner in the delivery of the Northwich Vision.

  3.2  Shropshire Union Canal (completed 2003): NWDA worked with BW to upgrade 2.2km of the towpath of the Shropshire Union Canal between Chester and Ellesmere Port into a multi user trail.

  3.3  Anderton Boat Lift (completed 2002): NWDA supported BW to help with overcoming abnormal ground conditions identified in its £7 million project to restore the Anderton Boat Lift. The following year the Boat Lift re-opened to great acclaim. Subsequently the project benefited from further NWDA investment into the adjoining Northwich Community Woodlands improving the car park used by visitors to both the woodlands and the Boat Lift.

4.  LANCASHIRE

  4.1  Ribble Link project: NWDA and BW worked together to connect the Lancaster Canal to the River Ribble and the national canal network.

  4.2  Leeds/Liverpool Canal in Lancashire: We also worked with BW to produce a study of development opportunities along the Leeds/Liverpool Canal in Lancashire. This is being used to inform development strategies along the canal corridor, particularly in relation to urban centres in East Lancashire. This includes Blackburn Town Centre Renaissance plans, the Lancashire REMADE programme of major land reclamation, Burnley Vision Board master planning and economic elements of Housing Market Renewal.

5.  CONCLUSION

  The NWDA believes that reviving the region's waterways not only provides unique recreational resources, but also delivers significant economic benefits, enhancing the environment, quality of life, increasing tourism, and creating areas where people want to live and work. There are many examples of partnership working with BW which has provided a boost to regeneration in the North West, improving the regions appeal as an investment location and creating new employment opportunities.

Northwest Regional Development Agency

March 2008