Led by volunteers from the Burslem Port Trust, and backed by the Canal & River Trust, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Stoke and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership and a number of voluntary groups, the restoration of the disused canal arm off the Trent & Mersey Canal looks set to play a major role in the planned regeneration of the Etruria Valley.
The first step in the grand vision is for the construction of a well-lit, all weather footpath, following the line of the former canal towpath, measuring just under half a mile, which would then provide an off-road route from Middleport into the heart of Burslem Town Centre. New interpretation boards along the route will tell visitors about the area's fascinating industrial heritage.
Funded by grants of £45,000 from the Council's Community Investment Fund and £5,000 from us, the project will be delivered by Burslem Port Trust volunteers and work is expected to start in the new year. We invite anyone who would like to get involved in this exciting project to a meeting at Middleport Pottery on Saturday 24 November, 10am – 12 noon.
The new long term strategic action plan, produced by Peter Brett Associates, will be presented to key stakeholders and local businesses at a special meeting to be held on Monday 19 November at Middleport Pottery.
New jobs, homes and visitors
The report concludes that key economic outputs from restoration of the disused canal arm would include the creation of 133 new jobs, 270 new canalside homes, 6,500 extra annual visitors and up to 2,300 boat movements per annum. The report predicts the project could attract inward investment of £16m worth of construction, creating nearly 300 temporary jobs.
Roger Savage, Burslem Port Trust chairman said: "This month marks a really exciting step change in plans to restore the Burslem Branch Canal. This short canal arm has been closed since 1961 when a breach occurred near its junction with the mainline Trent & Mersey Canal. Over the years, the bed has been filled in and is now in the hands of several land owners.
"This new report confirms there is sound economic benefit for investing in the restoration of the Burslem Branch Canal. We are delighted to be making the first tangible steps on that journey by creating a new footpath along the canal route. We are very keen to recruit more volunteers to help in this mammoth, worthwhile task and would urge anyone interested to get in touch or come to our new volunteers meeting on Saturday 24 November."
The Canal & River Trust, which cares for 2,000 miles of the nation's canals, including the Trent & Mersey, is a major supporter of the project. Enterprise manager Simon Papprill said: "Canal restoration has been a major catalyst for urban regeneration in many UK towns and cities. It is a well proven formula for promoting successful development and economic prosperity. We know people feel happier and healthier by water, so this restoration would bring significant benefits for residents."
