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.
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.
Click here for further information about our funding and timescale. .
Top of page Our achievements so far (2000-2006)
- 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
Project 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 within British Waterways’ 2025 Strategic Vision for the nation’s inland waterway network
When will it be built?
This will be done in stages as funds are raised, over the coming 10-20 years. The Trust and its partners are securing the route in local plans and seeking such funds. Completion of the MK Waterway Park, a stand alone viable waterway but also the first stretch of the total canal, is expected to create real momentum for further construction.
Why does it take so long?
It’s taking seven years (2001-2008) to work through all the local planning cycles to get the line of the Waterway in all local and regional plans.
Once the Waterway is recognised in local and regional plans, it becomes much easier to open discussions about construction and funding, which is what will drive the final timescale.
The whole Waterway could physically be built in around five years, but realistically we expect to build the ‘arms’ out from Milton Keynes and then Bedford first, followed by the central section, over a period of 10-20 years from now.
How much will it cost to design and build?
Current cost estimates by Halcrow indicate a cost of around £170m including fees, a 30% contingency, and £35m to cover a landmark structure at Brogborough Hill, two marinas, and river, bridge and lock works in Bedford.
