25 September 2008
Salford Canal brought back to life
Historic canal restored at Middlewood, Salford 200 years after
it was built
Two hundred years after it was built, a major milestone in the
restoration of the Manchester, Bolton & Bury Canal has been
achieved with completion of the first section of restored canal at
Middlewood, Salford. The opening of the section of waterway
is the most challenging phase in the restoration of the 15.2-mile
long canal which was once vital to the transportation of coal and
cotton during the Industrial Revolution.
Filled in during the 1960s, the canal through Middlewood
represents the focal point for £600 million of urban regeneration
which will comprise of a mixed use development.
One of the last major waterways in Greater Manchester to be
restored, restoration works have included the creation of a tunnel
under the Salford Inner relief road which then extends under the
Manchester/Wigan Rail Viaduct. This new tunnel will be known
as the ‘Margaret Fletcher Tunnel’, dedicated to the late and much
respected Chairman of the Manchester Bolton & Bury Canal
Society.
Other engineering works included: the excavation of 80,000
tonnes of rubble and material; the widening of East Ordsall Lane
road bridge; the creation of two small circular basins; the
restoration of the original Lock 3 and the construction of a new
seven-metre deep lock which will be the third deepest lock within
British Waterways’ 2,200-mile network. Although the first
section to be reopened is just 437m long, its reconnects the canal
to the rest of the UK’s inland waterway network via the River
Irwell and paves the way for the restoration of the canal to its
terminuses at both Bolton and Bury.
The £5.9 million project, delivered by contractors Volker Stevin
and led by British Waterways was funded by Northwest European
Regional Development Fund (through Manchester Enterprises), Salford
City Council, Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and
Valley & Vale Properties Ltd.
The next stage in restoring the wider Manchester, Bolton &
Bury Canal could be achieved within five to ten years subject to
funding.
Robin Evans, Chief Executive, British Waterways said: “The
waterways in the North West which were once vital for industry are
still playing an important role in society. Rather than
carrying
goods and raw materials, the restored Manchester, Bolton & Bury
Canal will be an attractive place to live, work and to spend
leisure time. The restoration of one of the last major
waterways in Manchester shows just how much the fortunes of canals
have changed. From dereliction and decline, the Manchester,
Bolton & Bury is set to enjoy a second golden age.”
Salford City Council lead member for planning, Councillor Derek
Antrobus added: “Salford is undergoing a huge transformation and
the re-opening of this section of the canal is another significant
piece of that jigsaw. This shows that the city’s regeneration is
not just about creating new buildings but also about breathing new
life into its heritage and encouraging people, both residents and
visitors, to think about the city differently.”
Peter White, Executive Director of Development at the NWDA,
said: “This has been an exciting, challenging project and one the
NWDA has been pleased to support. Restoration of this section of
the canal has significantly improved the area for local people and
visitors, and is a step forward towards greater regeneration in
Salford.
“Waterways are also a part of our heritage and it is excellent that
this piece of history has been restored to benefit the local area
and future generations.”
John Fletcher, Manchester, Bolton & Bury Canal Society
chairman concluded: “This remarkable project shows just what can be
achieved through partnership. I would like to pay tribute to all
those from various organisations who have, over the years, worked
towards this re-opening and commend it as an example of how well
staff and volunteers from different sectors can work together.
“My late wife, Margaret, had faith as to what could be achieved
and I am most grateful to British Waterways who have allowed the
tunnel to be dedicated to her memory. The wording on
the plaque which I will unveil encapsulates what has to be said –
‘From her endeavours success will be achieved’. We look
forward to further re-openings along the line of the Manchester
Bolton & Bury Canal.”
ENDS
For media enquiries please contact:
Helen Hall (BW), 077177 60284 or 01942 405700 helen.hall@britishwaterways.co.uk
EDITORS NOTES
The Manchester, Bolton & Bury Canal was built under an Act of
1791 with the connection to the River Irwell constructed in
1808. Originally used to transport coal and cotton to the
many mines and mills of the area, the canal adapted to carry
passengers, post and other supplies. The canal has been
closed to through traffic since a major breach in 1936 and various
sections were drained during the Second World War. It was
finally abandoned in 1961, however the dream of its eventual
revival was kept alive by the Manchester, Bolton & Bury Canal
Society formed in 1987.