Vision
We want to create a Waterway that is a source of pride now and for generations to come.
The Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway (the ‘B&MK’ for short) will provide a green corridor at the heart of new developments in the area, linking communities and creating a unique sense of identity and place. It is a ‘Waterway for All’ – serving local people and enhancing the local environment, and at the same time connecting the Fenland waterways with the main canal network.
Benefits
When built, this new 20-mile (32km) Waterway – the first major new-build project this century - will bring huge benefits right across the region:
- a more varied and attractive urban environment
- new places for walking, cycling, boating and fishing
- new homes and business buildings in attractive waterside locations
- new leisure and tourism jobs
- new wildlife habitats
- an uplift in property values
- a new channel for water supply and drainage
- a new Fenland cruising ring and more cruising opportunities. For a map of this please click here
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Design
The Waterway is designed to be a broad canal that can accommodate a wide range of boats on the water and different users on paths beside it.
Because we can design a canal for a variety of uses at the outset, rather than trying to squeeze a variety of uses into a space designed 200 years ago for freight, we have a unique opportunity to apply ‘blue skies’ thinking to the development of Waterways for the future.
The B&MK Waterway will be a prime example of the best in 21st century engineering, landscaping and design – a truly sustainable development.
The first sections to be built will act as a testbed to demonstrate new ways to create value in communities by adding water. Once completed they will provide models not only for completing this Waterway but also for inspiring other urban development projects.
