The Project Partners plan to make a reality of the Waterway through a large number of small projects phased over an extended timescale, within the framework of an overall Waterway vision and design.
Click here for our A-Z of plans to build in sections.
Our neighbouring restoration projects - the Cotswolds Canals and the Wendover Arm - are good examples of how this ‘think total, build piecemeal’ approach is already being successfully applied in other projects.
The Trust plans to work with Partners over a period of 10-20 years to:
- establish a line for the Waterway in all relevant local, regional and national plans
- create agreed design standards
- develop a sustainable plan for the long term future of the Waterway
- construct the Waterway in small sections over an extended timescale, as opportunities and funding become available
- pass the maintenance of the Waterway to partner/s with relevant expertise
- promote public and volunteer involvement in planning, design, construction, maintenance, and long term development of the Waterway.
Up to 20 years may seem like a long time, but it is in line with many of the current restoration schemes and also, locally, the plan to create the Forest of Marston Vale through which the Waterway will pass.
Top of page The Trust achievements to Date
- Partnership created
- Project designated as a British Waterways Priority One project
- Initial feasibility study funded and undertaken
- Final route chosen after wide consultation on route choices
- Detailed technical work on line and level, and costings undertaken
- Masterplanning, water and economic benefit studies undertaken
- Line secured in Milton Keynes plans for the eastern flank of the city
- BIG Lottery funding secured for detailed studies to develop the plans for the first 7 kilometres of build – the Milton Keynes Waterway Park
The Trust targets 2007-2012
- Line of Waterway safeguarded for entire length of route through mid Beds and Bedford
- Waterway included in all regional and national plans and recognised by public bodies dealing with highways, water supply, etc in the area
- First section/s of the Waterway designed, built and opened as water feature/s created in new developments
- Linking paths created and waymarked so that the whole route is walkable
- Development plan set to complete the Waterway as part of the nation’s inland waterway network
