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Canal-side plan channels £5m into Staffs area

Homes and businesses around North Staffordshire are set for a boost to amenities and tourist growth.

Work is about to begin on an ambitious scheme that will transform the canals of North Staffordshire under a major regeneration initiative led by British Waterways.

Under the vision, the canal network around Stoke-on-Trent will be transformed into a system of green routes that will underpin the area's economic and social revival.

The project is a joint initiative by Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, Groundwork Stoke-on-Trent and British Waterways and is part of the £20m 'Greening For Growth' strategy designed to exploit green space as a catalyst for economic and social regeneration.

The first canal-side areas to benefit from the £5m partnership will be:

• A two kilometre, semi-rural section between Harecastle Tunnel and Westport Lake on the Trent & Mersey Canal.
• Two kilometres along the Caldon Canal, linking Leek New Road and the city boundary of Stoke-on-Trent.

An all weather, multi-user towpath with upgraded entry points will improve access to the waterside. When completed, the towpaths will form part of a network linking the historic canals with Greenway routes, vital regeneration corridors connecting former coal mining and industrial areas.

The vision includes plans to create a visitor centre at Harecastle Tunnel, encouraging holiday-makers to extend their stay in the area and increasing visitor spend in the local economy. A total of 30 new canal boat visitor moorings along the revitalised length of canals will support this drive.

Over the next three years, the project aims to deliver:

• Strategic communication links and prime economic development.
• Improved environment for leisure, business and community use.
• More regional tourism by attracting new visitor markets.
• A healthy commuting and leisure environment for local communities.
• Conservation and enhancement of the historic environment.

Wales & Border Counties Manager Julie Sharman said the plan would pave the way for socially excluded communities to benefit from new inward investment.

"Our canal networks are more than an historic amenity. They are agents of regeneration that can deliver positive social, economic and leisure change," said Ms Sharman.

"By rejuvenating over 17km of canal network around the city of Stoke, we are establishing a framework that will draw in new investment, work and leisure opportunities," she added.