Waterways and the way forward
The Link will represent the most significant partnership development of the inland navigation network of the UK in two centuries. This will create the biggest waterway enhancement scheme in Europe. It will compliment other waterway projects in the region, forging new links between the existing stretches of navigable waterway and creating a seamless loop of opportunity. The Link is set to revitalise the region for the good of all and create a leisure and tourism destination of national and even international importance. Based firmly on the twin pillars of economic development and social inclusion, the Link will provide a focus for new investment and provide employment opportunities in an area in need of diversification, both in a rural and urban context.
Other regional projects
Lincolnshire Waterways: This is a major project to enhance the Waterways of Lincolnshire. The scheme will bring together economic, community and environmental issues and raises the profile of Lincolnshire Waterways as a tourist destination for a variety of leisure uses.
Nar to Ouse Link: Urban regeneration is currently planned for a large area of land in the south of Kings Lynn, to include the building of a new marina and navigation link. A key component of this scheme is a partnership between the Environment Agency and the Borough Council in Kings Lynn to open the River Nar as a navigable link between the town and the Great Ouse Flood Relief Channel. This link would raise the profile of Kings Lynn, increasing tourism in the area especially around the new marina, which is not only close to the town centre but a gateway to both open seas and inland waterways.
Bedford to Milton Keynes Canal: This scheme will build the first new canal in over a century and provide a navigable route between the River Ouse in Bedford and the Grand Union Canal in Milton Keynes.
Key features and themes
A network of desirable waterside locations will be created, attractive and suitable for mixed residential development and business alike. The resulting focal points will often be marina orientated and display features such as boat repair yards, shopping opportunities, restaurants and bars, media centres and accommodation. These sites will vary in magnitude and be influenced by their location and proximity to centres of population.Through combined increases in the number of boating visitors and those attracted to the waterside for activities such as bird watching, jogging, photography, picnicking and general relaxation, £14 million per annum in revenue generation is expected. The Link has the potential to attract as many as one million visitors per annum.The Link will provide a positive contribution to heritage, culture and nature. The general public will benefit from increased access to green open spaces and a wide array of important historic buildings, structures and monuments. The diversity of the natural environment will be enhanced by sustaining habitats and supporting rare
species helping to meet biodiversity targets.
A better quality of life
The Link will:
- Provide an opportunity for investment, leading to long term economic improvements
and employment benefits.
- Be an important sport and recreational resource and contribute to the health and well
being of local communities.
- Form important cycling, walking, horse riding and public access routes.
Be a tourism asset in its own right and provide a connection between existing and
new attractions.
- It will support the holiday industry by creating opportunities for water-based activities.
Form a unique heritage, cultural, educational, landscape and environmental asset.
- Provide access to a wide array of important historic buildings and structures.
- Contribute to the diversity of the natural environment by sustaining habitats and
species, especially those under threat.
- Provide opportunities for improving water supplies through storage and transfer and
improve land drainage.
- Provide local and regional transport routes and act as a waterborne transport corridor
for people and freight.