Strategy for the River Soar and Grand Union Canal

Following consultation the Strategy for the River Soar and Grand Union Canal through Leicestershire was launched at an event at the Walkers Stadium on 24th November 2009.

The Strategy provides an assessment of the current position, issues and future opportunities for the River Soar and the Grand Union Canal (the ‘Waterway’), and proposes a series of actions based around the themes of a Green Waterway, a Visible Waterway and an Accessible Waterway.

The Strategy was welcomed by Leicestershire County Council Cabinet on September 8th and by Leicestershire Rural Partnership on the 10th September.

The main outcomes are:

The Strategy is considered to be an important contribution to the development and enhancement of this key strategic corridor through Leicestershire;
The proposals and recommendations contained in the Strategy were approved and steps will be taken to ensure that they are taken into account in future strategy and policy development in Leicestershire and in considering actions and activities within the Grand Union Canal and River Soar Corridor;
The Strategy is now available at http://www.thewaterwaystrust.org.uk/projects/riversoar.shtml

The study has been funded by the East Midlands Development Agency and is managed by a Steering Group of representatives from Blaby District Council, Charnwood Borough Council, the Environment Agency, Leicester City Council, Leicestershire County Council, Leicester Shire Promotions, Leicester Regeneration Company, Oadby & Wigston Borough Council, British Waterways and chaired by The Waterways Trust.

The River Soar & Grand Union Canal information boards (PDF) can be seen here which explain the future plans of the Strategy.

Arup and Lathams Architects were appointed by British Waterways to prepare the strategy on behalf of the Steering Group.

About Arup:
Arup is a global firm of designers, engineers, planners and business consultants providing a diverse range of professional services to clients around the world.
www.arup.com

About British Waterways:
British Waterways (BW) is responsible for a 2,200 mile canal and river network in England, Wales and Scotland. There are nearly 300 million visits made to BW’s waterways every year for a wide range of leisure and everyday activities including walking, cycling, angling, boating, wildlife spotting or just simply feeding the ducks. The work of British Waterways and further corporate information can be found at www.britishwaterways.co.uk

About The Waterways Trust:
The Waterways Trust is a national charity that works with others to promote greater public enjoyment of our inland waterways.
www.thewaterwaystrust.org.uk

Strategy for the River Soar and Grand Union Canal

further information