River Soar & Grand Union EMERGING STRATEGY

November 2008 Delivering the Promise contents

1.0 Introduction 5 2.0 Context 7 3.0 Analysis of the Issues 13 4.0 Development of the Waterway Strategy 21 5.0 the Strategic Priorities 25 6.0 the Concept of the ‘Hub’ 47 7.0 the Way Forward 51

Appendix A 55 Appendix B 67

River Soar & Grand EMERGING STRATEGY

3

Leicester

© Google

Funding from the Regional Development Agency (emda) and match funding from (BW) was provided to produce the River Soar and Strategy. A Steering Group, with officer representatives from Blaby District Council, Charnwood Borough Council, City Council, County Council, Leicestershire Promotions, and Borough Council was chaired by the British Waterways and The Waterways Trust. This Steering Group guided the production of the strategy, providing valuable information and feedback to the drafting stages.The Steering Group will own and ensure delivery of the strategy on completion. 4 01. Introduction

1.2 The Role of the River Soar The economic climate has changed dramatically since and Grand Union Canal Strategy this strategy was commissioned in May 2008. This This emerging strategy provides an assessment of the current period, while uncomfortable, should be considered as position, issues and future opportunities for River Soar and an opportunity to set a comprehensive framework to Grand Union Canal, “the Waterway”, recommending a series which all stakeholders are committed for the future of short to medium term actions to secure a successful long- development, promotion and use of the River Soar term future for the Waterway. and Grand Union Canal (‘The Waterway’).

This strategy does not rely on grandeurs or landmark The Vision of this strategy is: projects. Rather it seeks to identify smaller interventions ‘Through partnership working and shared which build on the quality and character of The commitment realise the full potential of the River Waterway and enable the surrounding communities Soar and Grand Union Canal to enhance the participate and enjoy the benefits to of living close to wellbeing of Leicestershire residents and visitors.’ this valuable greenspace. The interventions identified are appropriate for the here and now, but also There is significant potential to reposition the Waterway move towards setting the scene and positioning The by strengthening its attractiveness and competitiveness as Waterway for when economy recovers and once a leisure destination, and enhancing its role as a valuable again has a forward momentum. greenspace for the surrounding communities to enjoy.

However, for a number of reasons, the Waterway is not 1.1 The River Soar and Grand Union Canal currently fulfilling its potential. This strategy recommends This emerging strategy focuses on the section of the River a series of actions to improve the physical fabric of the Soar and Grand Union Canal which flows from Loughborough Waterway and more crucially how the Waterway is engaged. Meadows just north of Loughborough through the centre of The emphasis is on outlining a route-map of short to medium Leicester southwards to Kilby Bridge. It is both a canal and term interventions that are realistic and affordable, and can canalised river in navigation and is a ‘cruising waterway’ (in help put in place the conditions to secure long term change. accordance with the 1968 Transport Act). This strategy complements the emerging Local Development Frameworks and the Masterplans guiding development in Originally known as the ‘Leicester Navigation’ it became central Leicester, Loughborough and the Grand Union Canal when bought by the Grand Union and provides a unified and strategy for the Waterway as it Navigation Company in 1932.The canalised sections of the passes through this part of Leicestershire. River Soar remain known as the River Soar.

5 6 02. Context

The character of the route and its surroundings vary This section provides a brief introduction to the significantly throughout the corridor, the Waterway flowing Waterway corridor area, as well as considering the through urban suburbs, industrial areas, city centres, villages potential economic uplift which can be captured and open countryside. The water provides an important link through maximising waterside developments. This between the urban environments and rural Leicestershire, section also considers the existing shared vision for providing an element of greenspace as well as functioning as the Waterway as set out within existing plan, priorities an access route between the differing areas. and strategies.

2.2 Recognising the Economic 2.1 The River Soar and Potential of Waterways Grand Union Canal Corridor Well maintained waterways can function as an attractor for The River Soar and Grand Union Canal Corridor occupies wider investment and the development of the economy as a central position within the Region, located a whole. Waterway development and access opportunities in the north of Leicestershire. The Waterway corridor area contribute significantly to public perception of places and encompasses the Districts of Charnwood, Blaby, Oadby and space. Wigston, as well as running through the centre of the City of Leicester. The 23 mile route runs from Loughborough The East Midlands Regional Economic Strategy (RES) sets out (at the northern end of the corridor) through Leicester, the aspirations for economic development within the region. crossing north of Blaby before ending at Kilby Bridge, south The RES focuses heavily on ensuring the economic growth of Wigston. of the region is sustainable and has regard to the existing infrastructure provision (including the natural environment. There are excellent strategic transport links alongside the The overall vision as set out in the RES states: Waterway, which is paralleled by the A6 and the Midland Rail Line. There are train stations at Loughborough, Barrow, “The East Midlands will be recognised as a region with , , Leicester and which are a high quality of life and sustainable communities that settlements along the route of the Waterway. Loughborough thrives because of its vibrant economy, rich cultural and and Leicester stations provide connections to and environmental diversity and the way it creatively addresses other regions. The whole of the corridor is within half an social inequalities, manages its resources and contributes to hour of East Midlands Airport. In addition there are bus a safer, more inclusive society.” routes which link the communities and the stretches of Waterway which run through the urban area also serve as cycleways.

7 “Waterway projects bring about significant economic benefits to the locality in which they are found, particularly through increased employment (both direct and indirect), land and property impacts as well as through an increase in the general competitiveness of an area. There are numerous case study examples of waterway projects throughout the UK that demonstrate the type and level of economic benefits flowing out of waterway regeneration activity. Waterway projects can also bring about softer impacts in relation to area based regeneration including an improvement in the image of an area, an increase in the quality of life of residents as well as better transport links. These softer impacts should not be undervalued.” 8 (East Midlands Inland Waterways Study, June 2007) The strategy recognises the role of the natural environment 2.3 The Role of Waterways as a key tool in enabling economic growth within the in Transforming Places region, both through improving connectivity in the region Waterways are a vital component of the country’s (contributing to improvements in the environment, quality of infrastructure – encapsulating economic, social and life and wellbeing of East Midlands residents) and improving environmental functions. They represent a part of the access to recreation, sport and cultural facilities. country’s public realm and a place where a broad range of activities are undertaken. Recreational activities include The RES also recognises the potential benefits of increasing boating, fishing, walking, cycling, sightseeing, special events the tourism industry and the knock on benefits in terms and festivals. These activities support a number of businesses of encouraging an enterprise culture and creating job including marinas, pubs, restaurants and canalside shops opportunities. The condition of the built and green which generate employment and help maintain local services. environment plays an integral role in developing opportunities Other activities include freight, routing of telecommunications for tourism, and improvement of these environs forms a key infrastructure (e.g. use of as routes for fibre-optic objective within the strategy. cables) and delivery of social objectives (including education, training, access for disabilities and healthy living). As well as impacting on quality of life and the tourism industry, the RES clearly identifies the dependency of the This importance is reflected in waterways being widely wider economy on environmental infrastructure, providing adopted as the focus for regeneration in both urban/rural the necessary support to a growing economic base. The RES areas throughout the UK helping to achieve balance between sets out to achieve an East Midlands which “is a great place economic, social and environmental impacts in a sustainable to live - with a good quality natural and built environment, way. Some of the most high profile and recognised physical with equal access to high quality services, cultural, leisure, regeneration projects in the country, including the London sporting and civic opportunities, where people want to live Docklands, Liverpool’s Albert Docks and Salford Quays are and work;” all focussed around their waterfront location. Large waterside projects in the East Midlands include Nottingham Riverside, an 18km waterfront regeneration scheme which will create over 3,000 new homes and Derby’s riverside project. The East Midlands Inland Waterways Study of 2007 identifies that all the masterplans developed by the main urban centres in the region refer to their river of canal side as one of their major assets while at the same time often stating that their waterside is presently hidden or greatly under utilised.

9 The impact of waterway regeneration stretches beyond the Through this broader influence, ‘quality of place’ – achieved immediate environmental improvement of the waterside through high quality public realm in urban/rural/waterway and often stimulates wider economic and social benefits locations or otherwise – can produce valuable economic that are felt much further than the immediate locality of the ‘spill-over’ effects. These ‘spill-over’ effects take the form of waterside itself. wider impacts on the local (and potentially regional) economy that arise as a result of investment setting the economic There are three principle categories of regeneration conditions that alter the path of economic development. In impact for waterway projects: particular, through fostering of business confidence and the • Employment impacts – creating both direct and indirect attraction of new and additional investment to areas outside employment; but well connected to the area in which environmental improvements are delivered. • Property impacts – arising from the effect of the regenerated area on the commercial and residential property markets. Property related impacts may include increased developer/investor confidence, bringing forward 2.4 Improving Quality of Place through of vacant or underused sites and enhancement of the Waterway Development vibrancy and vitality of an area, particularly with tourism ‘Quality of Place’ is a vital driver of an area’s economic and leisure based schemes; and competitiveness and prosperity. High quality public realm, in urban, rural and waterside locations forms an important • Competitiveness impacts – a broad range of impacts component of ‘quality of place’ and has the potential to which act to improve the relative position of the deliver significant economic and social benefits. Capturing location in comparison with other locations (boosting its the wide range of benefits generated is a challenging and attractiveness as a place to live, work and invest). evolving area. However, the significance of the economic The third of these impact types, competitiveness is particularly benefits generated is increasingly recognised and a material important in terms of achieving long-term economic consideration in economic development interventions to development objectives. Competitiveness impacts include promote economic competitiveness and vitality. There is a a range of investment, social, transport and environmental rapidly developing supportive evidence base. benefits. One of the key impacts in terms of competitiveness is the raising of an area’s profile – since image and perception In terms of maximising potential economic benefits generated represent important criteria in the locational decisions by ‘quality of place’ interventions such as improved public of individuals and business. Competitiveness impacts are realm, evidence generally suggests that interventions need to typically more difficult to quantify than employment or be of a significant scale. Although small scale interventions property impacts and in particular environmental impacts are can make a difference, larger scale schemes can help to challenging to quantify. However, environmental impacts are secure the wider and more valuable economic development ultimately one of the key visible elements that people notice benefits. Larger scale projects are also typically more within a regeneration scheme. attractive to the private sector, by offering more scope to

10 capture benefits within commercial objectives. This may not Whilst the baseline review highlighted a lack of coherence necessarily mean one large scheme but can also be achieved and vision for the wider River Soar and Grand Union Canal where a number smaller projects are integrated together corridor, overall the potential of the Waterway as a tool for effectively in a joined up approach – benefiting from greater connectivity and an important source of (green) open space potential overall benefits and economies of scale. The River is shared across the Local Authority Partners. Policies also Soar and Grand Union Canal Waterway corridor could recognise the changing nature of the waterway through rural represent an important opportunity to make investments Leicestershire into the heart of Leicester City, proposing that contribute significantly to enhancing the regions ‘quality opportunities for primarily residential-led development in of place’ and to deliver long-term economic benefits on a the city; whilst outside the urban areas, opportunities for large scale. development seek to promote the use of the waterway as a tourist attraction.

2.5 Developing a Vision for the Waterway The key objectives highlighted from the baseline The Waterway passes through a number of district review are: boundaries, wherein individual priorities and objectives • Improving pedestrian and cycle access throughout are set by Local Authorities for their respective areas. A the corridor, including improvements to signage and baseline review of these existing plans and priorities has identification of waterside routes; been undertaken in order to inform the development of an • Utilising the waterway as a source of open space, including integrated strategy for the Waterway. encouraging greater use by young people;

Plans, policies and strategies for the Districts through which • Promoting tourism as an appropriate waterside use, the Waterway passes focus on and support the importance recognising the recreation potential of the Waterway as of the Waterway to nature conservation and its importance well as the built heritage of the area; and as a pedestrian and cycle route through the urban areas. • Ensuring the ecological value of the Waterway is protected Aspirations for tourism tend to heavily promote the built from adverse development proposals. heritage of Leicestershire and recognise the recreational potential of the Waterway. However the potential of the These objectives form the cornerstone of the Waterway canal as a greenspace and attraction in its own right is not as strategy, taking into consideration the existing aspirations clearly articulated. of the strategy partners, the highlighted economic benefits of improving the existing Waterway and the existing There are aspirations in the Districts through which the characteristics of the Waterway as set out in Chapter 4. Waterway passes to improve the provision and utilisation of open space, particularly to encourage the use of such space by young people (whilst also ensuring there is control over potential anti-social behaviour). However, linking these aspirations to the role which the Waterway can play is not always made.

11 “Despite increasing recognition of their value to society, the full potential of the waterways is still not being realised. Much of this is a legacy of their long historic decline and an association of the with industrial decay. Such a perception is now out of date and the positive benefits and opportunities which the waterways offer need to be recognised. Where this has been done the benefits can clearly be seen.”

Planning a future for the inland waterways IWAAC 2001 12 03. Analysis of the Issues

some demolished, but several are either derelict or used to This section sets out the main issues associated with house low grade industrial purposes. the Waterway. This has been informed by discussions with the Steering Group organisations, review of plans, Whilst the historical value of this Wateway is well known, policies and programmes and visiting and physically this should not function as a barrier to developing a modern appraising the length of the Waterway. waterway, fit for recreation and leisure activities which will serve as the primary future uses for the Waterway The Waterway corridor has a unique character, corridor. There is much latent potential left untapped within encompassing both rural and urban areas, as well as the Waterway corridor which could be utilised in future an extensive heritage. It is necessary to understand strategies and development opportunities. However, the the context in which the Waterway and associated Waterway presently is somewhat of a hidden asset, with uses have developed, to enable the strategy to take not all communities aware of its existence and value. The account of the past and present situation in informing strategy should seek to address these issues, focusing on the future direction of objectives for the corridor. areas of redundant land from the industrial transformation of Loughborough and Leicester which could add value to the waterway; as well as the existing network of attractions 3.1 Understanding the History of the Waterway and interests along the Waterway which remain fragmented. The Waterway can link them together and maximize their The City of Leicester was founded on the banks of the River potential. Soar. The Leicester Navigation Act was passed in 1791 to make the waterway navigable and enabled Loughborough and Leicester to compete with neighbouring towns for trade. The navigable waterway was successfully used to transport 3.2 The Changing Character of the Waterway raw materials such as coal, lead, iron, timber salt and cotton Along the length of the River Soar and the Grand Union for use in the hosiery trade and the manufacture of pottery, Canal through Leicestershire, there are differences in furniture, cheese and tar oil. Freight was transported along landscape character, ranging from hard urban areas to softer the Waterway until as late as 1960. There is therefore an green sections that have an almost rural feel. There are archaeological and historic legacy associated with this distinctive character ‘zones’ along the 23 miles stretch which Waterway. evolve from highly developed ‘urban waterfront’ to quiet and tranquil ‘rural’ areas over a relatively short distance. This is Along the route of the Waterway remains a rich heritage a defining characteristic of this stretch of water. Recognising linked to the historic industries of which the canal originally and maintaining this diversity is important for retaining the served including locks, keepers cottages, bridges and richness of experience for boaters and users of the towpath mills. Some of these mill buildings have been renovated, and adjoining development.

13 The Waterway provides a continuous green link through the of non-navigable river. There is significant scope to capitalise urban and rural environments. The importance and integrity on this, whilst maintaining local distinctiveness and this will of a continuous green corridor to the movement and provide unique opportunities for visitors and locals to take migration of plants and animals is well recognised in this part full advantage of the quiet enjoyment of the riverside, in the of Leicestershire. It is known to be home to Great Crested heart of the urban centres. Newts, Water Voles and Kingfishers which are all protected species. In addition some of the land adjacent to the route The elements that contribute to the waterway lies on flood plain and therefore has been set aside to make character include: space for water. This has resulted in undisturbed meadows • Landscape framework and planting providing a rich waterside environment. • Building layout, infrastructure and urban grain Alongside the ecological value afforded by the Waterway, • Form, scale and massing of buildings the urban areas are home to existing communities which • Uses are diverse in terms of culture, affluence and outlook. The Waterway is a common feature to unite these communities • Historic associations and can provide the opportunity for all to participate in • Access and movement enjoying this valuable greenspace.

Leicester and Loughborough encompass the major urban The character areas which make up the Waterway corridor areas within the corridor, both of which are undergoing a range from ‘city centre waterfront’ to ‘remote rural’, are substantive period of transformational change, of which the described below. Waterway plays an integral part. Development opportunities have been identified which make the best use of the waterway frontage, improving the inter-visibility between the Waterway and high quality built development.

One of the distinctive features of this stretch of waterway is that it features both navigable and non-navigable waterways running parallel in very close proximity. This gives the Waterway corridor a special quality. Within the defined character areas, a number of existing links can be found between hard urban canalside zones and ‘natural’ stretches

14 Character Area 1 - Loughborough & Environs Character Area 2 - Barrow on Soar Loughborough is a thriving university town which has just Approaching Barrow-upon-Soar, the character and sense reinvented its historic – a former coal wharf and of the waterway as a river navigation becomes much more once a magnet for heavy industrial use, Loughborough Wharf obvious, with the presence of dramatic weirs and flood has recently undergone comprehensive redevelopment warning lights at key locks. Pillings Lock Marina offers and regeneration, with a mix of café bars/restaurants and attractive new facilities for boaters to the south of the student housing focused around the reinvigorated canal waterway, including café/retail – however, the facilities are terminus. The canal arm, which links the town with the main for the exclusive use of boat owners and the development is canal, and the basin itself, provides limited scope for visiting largely inaccessible to visitors using the towpath. craft to moor (short term), encouraging increased use and activity on the water. Further development to complete Barrow-upon-Soar is an attractive local destination, with a the regeneration of the wharf (to the south of the basin) is handful of pub/restaurants catering to a fairly wide market. imminent, ensuring the benefits of this waterside destination The waterway skirts the settlement to the south, with the can spread to the town centre, a short walk away. area around Mill Lane Bridge providing a focus for water- based use and activity. There are opportunities here for boat Beyond the Loughborough Arm, the Grand Union Canal hire and day trips, as well as the quiet enjoyment of the water. threads its way through the town, sandwiched between the Barrow-upon-Soar functions as a natural ‘visitor hub’, with edge of the settlement and the railway to the north and all the components necessary (ie. information, refreshments, south of the town. The canal skirts a mix of industry as it wc’s & boating activity), and it forms a useful model for leaves the town in both directions, forming a natural edge creating other local destinations along the waterway route, between low grade industrial uses (some of which are ripe for which can offer complementary attractions. There is also redevelopment) and open countryside. As the canal heads scope to develop and enhance the existing offer, to improve to the south, the ‘barrier effect’ becomes more pronounced the quality of the visitor experience, in terms of signage, as the number of bridge crossings diminish significantly. facilities & amenities.

South of Barrow-upon-Soar, and beyond, a key characteristic of the waterway corridor is that it becomes very rural and remote, with very few bridge crossings, save the odd pipe bridge (to enable public utilities to cross the canal). In addition, it does not feature a continuous towpath or waterside walking/cycling route, which means that the waterway feels a little fragmented, isolating the settlements and communities in the vicinity.

15 Character Area 3 - Birstall Character Area 4 - On approaching Birstall, the canal flows past Watermead For a short spell the canal becomes a highly developed Country Park – a significant area of open space to the west, ‘urban waterfront’, with large scale buildings and areas of featuring a range of boating lakes and a network of attractive high quality public realm. An increasing number of bridge & popular countryside walks/cycle routes. Watermead crossings help to ensure the canal does not become a barrier enjoys good access by road, with plenty of car parking and to movement. Within the central urban area, there are picnicing opportunities. It features public toilets, located attractive areas of ‘wide water’ (generally associated with close to the canal, although the building is not particularly weirs), which provide characterful areas of waterspace, and prominent when moving through the Country Park. opportunities for wildlife, in an otherwise highly developed urban environment. Watermead lacks comprehensive visitor facilities, in terms of refreshments, education and information, although there The city centre waterfront includes selected areas of high has long been an ambition by key agencies and stakeholders quality public realm, creating opportunities for waterside to provide better visitor facilities, befitting the status of the events and activities. However, there is scope for increased Country Park as a local/regional attraction. provision, and much is promised by existing the masterplan and policy documents (Leicester Waterside). As the canal corridor approaches Leicester City Centre from the north, the character changes to ‘sub urban fringe’ passing first the edge of residential settlements, then the back of a range of industrial works/buildings. The quality of access provision along the water’s edge increases, as the canal gets closer to the city.

16 Character Area 5 - 3.3 On the Waterway - Physical Issues Leaving the city to the south, the canal corridor very quickly The proceeding sections describe some of the physical becomes green and leafy, with attractive walking and cycling issues which affect the Waterway and illustrate some of the routes next to the water. With the (non-navigable) natural problems which stand in the way of the Waterway fulfilling river course again running parallel, there are significant its true potential. opportunities for wildlife to flourish through habitat creation and enhancement. Continuous Access along the Waterway Towpath It is not possible to cycle the 23 mile stretch of the Waterway NB) A key characteristic of the waterway corridor, is its and in places the ability to walk the length is impaired by the parallel river/canal course, which provides a diverse and quality and availability of waterside access. attractive asset for Leicestershire, hosting a rich variety of flora and fauna. While in some areas the towpath provides an excellent linear route with provision for pedestrians and cyclists alike, there To the west of the canal lies a wide expanse of low lying are other areas where the condition of the towpath is either meadows and playing fields, which provides an attractive poor or as in some cases non existent. In some areas such as backdrop to the corridor, before it turns left to skirt the edge between Barrow and Mountsorral cycling was difficult due to of . the frequency of stiles and gates and at Cossington there was no access to the canal-side tow path at all.

Character Area 6 - Kilby Bridge Issues of land ownership along the route are clearly The final stretch of canal within the study area flows through responsible in part for the variation in waterside access, urban fringe, passing the backs of residential properties, particularly on the river sections of the canal. before entering the quiet and tranquil ‘rural’ area terminating at Kilby Bridge – an existing canal yard, featuring a mix of Whilst in character terms it is not appropriate to have an wharfside buildings with a public house (The Navigation) on engineered access along the route, recognising and upgrading the main road next to the canal bridge. Kilby Bridge acts the towpath where appropriate will allow users to enjoy the a local mini-destination or visitor hub and has the potential diverse character of the Waterway. for redevelopment to provide a range of facilities, which will cater for a wide range of visitors.

17 Directional Signage Along and to the Waterway Waterside Animation, Interaction and Information The signage both along the route of the Waterway and A significant number of boats witnessed both moored and indeed to the Waterway from the surrounding settlements travelling along the water which provides animation along is of mixed quality. There is no single signage “brand,” the waterway. There are also opportunities for physical instead signage from a multitude of organisations including interaction with the Waterway along the route including National Cycleway Network; Leicestershire County Council; a boat trip centre, an outdoor pursuits centre, several sea Charnwood Borough Council; Leicester City Council; British cadet buildings, and active Rowing Club, parks and a few Waterways and local parks. picnic sites. There are also pubs and restaurants along the Waterway. The signage provides very little in the way of directional information such as demarking upcoming destinations and However the quality of these amenities is varied from very distances to these destinations. There is a significant reliance good, attractive, clean sites, to run down, dishevelled and on Leicestershire County Council markers, but in many cases visually unappealing sites. Linking to observation about the these are simply a yellow arrow and nothing more in terms quality of signage, there is little information given to incentivise of directional information. boaters to stop (rather than pass through this Waterway stretch to destinations outside). There are localised examples Along the Waterway route, there was only one sign observed of information, interpretation and wayfinding material at which informed users that they were actually on the River Watermead Country Park but this is not as standard along Soar and Grand Union Canal route. Signage onto and from the route of the Waterway. the Waterway route was also very poor, reinforcing the view that the canal is very much a hidden asset. There is no sign In addition, there is little evidence of public art investment linkage to adjacent parks such as Abbey Park and Watermead along the Waterway except for improvised graffiti. Public Country Park. Art is another form of interaction and informal wayfinding, providing interest along the route. It is understood that an In summary, the mix and in places lack of information attempt was made to introduce some interactive artwork providing signage, is currently a barrier to directing users close to Frog Island in Leicester, however it was vandalised to the Waterway, enabling them to travel up and down the and subsequently removed. Choosing locations which have Waterway with a view to the designations and attractions a high footfall and are visible from a wide area is important in along its route and indeed explicitly specifying that users are determining where public art may be located in the future. on the River Soar and Grand Union Canal.

18 Engaging the Waterside Through Anti-social Behaviour Along the Waterway Positive New Development Overall the quality of the Waterway is generally good with Within any waterside development, high quality design limited evidence of anti-social behaviour, such visible signs which engages rather than turns its back on the Waterway including low level graffiti and broken glass. is preferred. There are some good examples of positive waterside development along the route of the Waterway, However the perception of anti-social behaviour may be a both old and new. barrier to use and this can be enhanced after dark. Indeed it is understood that with in boating circles this Waterway has However, there are also examples of even some of the a poor reputation. more recent developments failing to make the most of their location which have resulted in restrictions to waterside access for users. It is important to learn from these incidences so that similar circumstances can be overcome in the future.

The Waterway as a Linear and Traverse Connection The Waterway is crossed by a number of major arterial routes. However in numerous locations these crossings act as a barrier with no defined route onto the canal. They therefore reduce the connectivity of the Waterway to the surrounding areas. There is a general lack of gateways onto the canal, and signage to these gateways is often poor and lacks any information beyond a simple County path yellow arrow. With a number of stations located within easy reach of the Waterway there is untapped potential in terms of linking different modes of transport together.

This combination means that the use of the Waterway as a mode of connection is unlikely to be maximised.

19 The role of the Strategy is to highlight the significance of the waterway corridor and explore opportunities for enhancement, branding and interpretation, with a clear focus on delivery.

20 04. D e v e l o pm e n t o f t h e W at e rway S t rat e g y

While many of the issues identified in the previous section are rooted in historic and often quite complex matters, this strategy seeks to be straightforward and transparent to ensure maximum impact and effective communication to a wide audience. The key issues have therefore been distilled into key themes for ease of communication and understanding.

4.1 Themes of the Strategy Analysis of the issues along the route demonstrates that the Waterway is rich in history, nature and character. However to make a stronger contribution to the ‘quality of place’ there is a need to:

• Recognise the value of the Waterway in aiding the gentle transition of urban to rural environments, bringing nature and greenspace into the suburbs and centres and adding interest and character to the rural landscape; • Provide the Waterway with a stronger identity which attracts users and enables them to navigate between and enjoy designations along the route; and • Enable physical access along and to the Waterway for users by a means which is appropriate to the diverse character of the route. The strategy is therefore based on three simple themes: The Green Waterway; The Visible Waterway; and The Accessible Waterway.

21 22 4.2 Building on the Waterway Themes Building on the themes of Green, Visible and Accessible, nine complimentary objectives have been developed. These are in effect a description of what needs to be done to deliver the themes. The objectives have equal status, however it is clear to see that they are all linked to each other, so the overall success will be dependent on delivering all objectives together.

The proceeding sections of this Emerging Strategy describe the nine objectives and provide outline details of potential interventions.

These interventions may be general actions across the whole of the Waterway, or alternatively they may be specific to locations. Whether the intervention is general or specific it will be important to engage the communities within which the Waterway is located to confirm what they regard as important. This public and wider stakeholder consultation will form the next phase, and will identify a number of priority projects which will make up the Development Plan.

23 “While opportunities for protecting or developing wildlife value may be very limited on a few stretches of waterway, in the majority of cases good planning, design and management practice will provide tangible wildlife benefits, increasing their attractiveness for many users and contributing towards realising their full potential as a multifunctional resource”

Britain’s inland waterways: Balancing the needs of navigation and aquatic wildlife – IWAC 2008

24 05. The Strategic Priorities

5.1 Respecting the Natural Environment Areas for Action: • Development of an area wide integrated Conservation Plan, to define the significance of the environmental GREEN Strategy: Balance the desire to increase resource. This would take full account of the ecology, access to the Waterway with the need to conserve water quality, natural heritage, built heritage and the and enhance its ecological value. interaction with increased public engagement/interaction • Develop an area wide Flood Management Plan. This would At the heart of this strategy is a desire to enable people specifically look into identifying areas of flood storage and to have an increasing awareness of the Waterway and defining a site by site approach to waterside development consider it to be a feature which adds value to where they rather than a blanket approach. live and visit. By seeking to increase access to and use of the Waterway it is acknowledged that if left unchecked, this may • Develop initiatives to safeguard and where viable expand have a negative impact on the Waterway’s ecological value. the biological diversity along the Waterway, in particular It is recognised that it is essential to support and maintain with regards populations of scarce or threatened wildlife the Waterway as a continuous wildlife corridor and key species. Central to this should be the investigation of component of the green network. In addition, in accordance Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) Habitat Creation. with the Water Framework Directive it is also important to • Work with Glen Parva Parish in their Local Nature Reserve improve the biological quality of the Waterway. application and encourage the development of others where appropriate/desirable within the study area. The River Soar and Grand Union Canal are both navigable and non-navigable waterways running parallel in very close proximity. This provides the opportunity to manage the activity of people to the navigable sections, limiting access to the non-navigable sections to provide havens for wildlife.

In addition, with the exclusion of where the Waterway passes close to central Loughborough and though Leicester City Centre, public access is typically restricted to a single side of the Waterway, where the towpath is located. This retains space for wildlife and enables the public activity to be directed towards more appropriate locations.

25 26 5.2 Valuing Heritage, Enabling To guard against this, clear and concise design guidance Development and Driving Excellence will establish key principles for development, based on a true understanding of the context, whilst ensuring there is sufficient flexibility, encouraging a creative approach to GREEN Strategy: Value the importance of the regeneration. Waterway’s heritage and enable new development to make a positive contribution to the waterside. General principles for development include: • Respect for the historic character of the waterway and its This priority seeks to set an expectation for a high quality setting, including retention of waterspace Waterway by recognising the contribution of the built • Appropriate scale in relation to the waterway context heritage and aiming for a step change in the design of new and consideration to siting, orientation and massing of development an the contribution it makes to the Waterway. buildings Along the route of the Waterway remains a rich heritage linked to the industries which the canal originally served, • Site layouts which positively address the water, ensuring including locks, lock keepers cottages, bridges and mills. there is ‘active frontage’ to the waterway at ground floor This gives the Waterway its distinctive identity and provides level features of interest along its route. Many of these features • Preserve and enhance key views to/from the water and in are listed or located within Conservation Areas along the relation to existing landmarks and features route so are afforded additional protection. Some of these buildings have been converted through the transformation • Development which ensures that water based activity can of the urban areas and others are featured in masterplans flourish, ensuring the waterfront is not ‘sterilised’ for change. • Mixed use development to ensure there is life and activity throughout the day and evening The settlements along the route of the Waterway will continue to evolve and change. Indeed, on the waterside it • Considered parking strategies to ensure that car parking is hoped that there will be development to support a more and service areas are screened from the waterway active role (which is appropriate in policy, nature and scale corridor to the character area). It is therefore important to set the • Access routes which link along and (where desirable) scene for development with a clear set of guidelines, which across the waterway, connecting to wider walking/cycling will ensure a coherent and holistic approach to managing routes future change. • Access provision to cater for all users, with integrated and Recognising the character and diversity of the Waterway is attractive solutions to accommodate level changes the first step in setting a framework, as there is a risk that • Make space for events and activities, with a focus on the the diversity and interest along the Waterway will be lost water (existing/proposed waterbodies) through the introduction of uniform waterside treatments.

27 Waterways may pass through a number of local authority areas. It is important therefore that development plans achieve coordination of a planning approach to the waterspace. This is where Waterspace Strategies and corridor Study approaches are useful in guiding development options on waterside sites. They focus on the waterway within its local environment and seek to reconcile the competing interests of different sectorial activities such as tourism/leisure/ biodiversity.

28 • High quality, well detailed landscape and public realm Leicester towards the suburbs. There are two sites in treatment, which responds to character areas particular in this area which would benefit from sensitive redevelopment; the former Powergen Site and St Mary’s • Promoting water based activity, including moorings, along Mill. It is understood these are outside the URC’s Five with provision for land based support facilities Masterplan Project Areas. • Boundary treatments which are attractive and visually • South of Leicester: On a more modest scale to central permeable, ensuring the canal is not isolated from its Loughborough and Leicester as the Waterway flows surroundings southwards the redevelopment of the County Army in • Use of appropriate and distinctive building materials from Blaby (which provides access to the Waterway) and the sustainable sources which reinforce the sense of place potential for a more active use of land around Kilby Bridge have been highlighted. It is recognised that there are plans which are well progressed and guided by Masterplanning principles at Windmill Road in Loughborough, Waterside and Abbey Park in central Areas for Action: Leicester and Blaby Park in Wigston. This strategy does not • Use of design competitions to deliver high quality, seek to revisit these developments, but rather set out some innovative, features along the Waterway including principles for areas along the route which may come forward bridges, visitor attractions, public engagement initiatives, subsequently. This will enable the expectations to be clear development sites similar to the recently launched RIBA from the outset, making it more straightforward for them to competition for footbridge at Abbey Meadows. be accommodated. It will also enable time for such design • Preparation of a design manual for the Leicestershire principles to be linked to emerging Local Development Waterway as a source of reference and inspiration for Framework Policies. new development. This should include setting standards of urban design, architecture, public realm, use of green Discussions and research at baseline stage have energy, low carbon footprints and engagement with the initially identified scope for future development in waterway. The manual should highlight specific constraints the following areas: and opportunities to ensure that ‘local distinctiveness’ and • Central Loughborough: Following on from the success of special waterside qualities can be preserved and enhanced. Loughborough Basin, there are sites in proximity, close to Extensive stakeholder and community consultation will be the Waterway which would benefit from redevelopment. required to ensure that any design guidance can be adopted, This includes Limewood Depot and Clarence Street. ensuring it has the necessary ‘teeth’ as enforceable policy. • North of Leicester City Centre: There is evidence of • Explore the development and promotion of Heritage and older industrial buildings and some vacant uses along Ecology both on the towpath and on the water the waterway as flows northwards out of the centre of

29 “Funding is perhaps the most challenging issue facing many regeneration projects. The amount of finance available within the public sector is limited and the number of projects looking for funding is expanding all the time. However, the apparent shortage of capital from public sources should not be seen as a barrier to waterway projects, nor dilute the vision underpinning regeneration projects. The need for project funding is simply a challenge to be addressed in any development or regeneration scheme and is an integral part of the delivery approach.”

30Planning a future for the inland waterways IWAAC 2001 5.3 Securing Funding 5.3.2 Revenue Funding In terms of revenue funding, it is understood that the Local GREEN Strategy: Deliver a coherent and realistic Authorities and British Waterways contribute along the route framework for levering in funding which is resilient to of the Waterway to ensure the towpath, where present is change. maintained. But this is not comprehensive along the route as some of the land adjoining the Waterway, (particularly in the more rural areas) is in private ownership. 5.3.1 Capital Funding There is a need to secure capital funding for specific projects Across the UK there has been much investment in green but also guarantee a revenue stream to ensure maintenance space and public realm in recent years, in response to wider of the features along the route of the Waterway (where recognition of the associated benefits high quality space required) and the management and promotion of activities confers. However, much of the focus has been upon capital and events. improvements and questions over long-term management and maintenance have often not been adequately addressed, There are known to be existing waterway related projects raising the question over the sustainability of such which are ‘funding deficient’ and indeed high expectations in improvements. The funding of day-to-day maintenance is relation to what s.106 contributions can realistically deliver, therefore a key challenge in achieving projects whose benefits particularly in the current climate. There is a need to be are sustainable in the long-term. more innovative by demonstrating how the inclusion of the Waterway can help to deliver other objectives, for which At a high level, there are two key challenges in funding can then be secured. establishing an appropriate solution: • The public good nature of the public realm; which enables The table in Appendix B identifies potential (principally individuals to conceal their true valuation of the good to capital) funding opportunities. avoid payment; and • Providing accepted evidence; developing a method that is accepted by the key stakeholders and obtaining a robust evidence base open to external scrutiny (this is particularly important if the evidence needs to be suitable for supporting bids for grants/funding).

31 32 In the majority of improvements, project Areas for Action: management and maintenance issues are generally • Establish a working group/partnership to champion dealt with through a combination of three traditional the Waterway in pursuit of funding, direct investment, models: prioritise interventions and to secure the long term future • Incorporation within local authority maintenance or of the canal. For successful delivery of the strategy, there management frameworks; is a ongoing need for collaborative working between local authorities and key agencies, including clear funding path, • Seeking of grant funding as a means of ensuring ongoing lines of communication and accountability. revenue investment; and • Install tow path monitors at strategic locations to monitor • Delivery of project in a way that encourages and footfall and assist in evaluating progress. The objective enables local community members to share some of the is to count visitor information, including quantum and maintenance or management opportunities. profile – The Waterway Champion is the natural focus In many cases, it is becoming increasingly clear that these for collecting, processing and acting upon information and ‘traditional’ models are no longer sufficient on their own intelligence obtained. and that new thinking is required to identify and develop • Explore all opportunities to promote the Waterway as alternative models and mechanisms which provide more the exemplar eco-waterway – this is entirely consistent reliable and permanent solutions. with Leicestershire’s green ambitions. Promote a raft of large and small scale initiatives in order to realise these There are a variety of management approaches which can aspiration eg examine the use of renewable energy to be considered, however the evidence suggests that no single power/light towpath infrastructure including information model will provide an effective management solution for all boards and promote the concept of Green Energy Visitor typologies of space. There is a need to find a solution which Hubs. combines public accountability and leadership with private income and community interests.

Some of the options which can provide a course of revenue funding are presented in the table in Appendix B.

33 A key objective of the strategy is to promote a positive identity for the waterway. Presently the waterway has a confused identity and is ill defined in its location. Central to the strategy is the need to ensure that Leicestershire’s waterways are ‘badged’ as a clearly defined entity, embracing both city and country.

34 5.4 Raising the Profile of the Waterway Areas for Action: • Write a Leicestershire Waterways Guide similar to the – “The Romantic Canal”, this could VISIBLE Strategy: Increase the Waterway’s feature photography from local photography or be perception and profile by telling potential users about written by a local author. Annual Photography competition its quality and offer. involving schools, and local communities. These promotion activities should be co-ordinated through the Waterway The Waterway has a low profile, despite its quality and offer. Champion role. This ‘secret’ element is part of its allure, but there is a need • Ensure Waterway tourism initiatives are reflected within to increase the Waterway’s perception and profile. This is the County tourist information. The Waterway should not helped by the fact that presently the Waterway has a feature within the County’s overarching marketing and confused identity and is ill defined in its location. promotion strategy.

Until 1932 the Waterway was known as the Leicester • Investigate the opportunities for re-branding the Navigation. It then became known as the Grand Union Canal Waterway. Re-naming the Waterway the ‘Leicestershire and the northern stretched of the Waterway remain known Waterway Park’ would provide a clearer identity on which as the River Soar. Without a single clear identity, some users many other of the other initiatives could be coupled to. are not aware that they are in effect the same Waterway. The concept of re-defining the River Soar and Grand Union Canal as the ‘Leicestershire Waterway’ will go some way to helping to change perceptions and stimulate interest. This initiative, combined with a consistency of messaging (including web based, regional/local and on the ground signage and interpretation), will enable levels of awareness and understanding to be significantly enhanced.

35 “Waterway corridors can also act as key focal areas for the diversification of agricultural activities. Indeed the Rural White Paper suggests that rural waterways can present important opportunities to develop new enterprises such as businesses, telecottages, shops, cafes and community centres, visitor centres and museums, self-catering accommodation, and boat related industries. Potential activities linked to the waterways could include the creation of marina facilities, craft outlets, bed and breakfast accommodation and wildlife reserves.”

36Planning a future for the inland waterways IWAAC 2001 5.5 Enhancing the Visitor Experience The incentive for improving the visitor experience is clear. Studies on other canals such as the Kennat and Avon, have illustrated how the Waterway plays a significant role within VISIBLE Strategy: Elevate the Waterway as a the local tourism and leisure economy, with an increasingly feature which connects together existing historic, positive outlook on the future role of off-waterway natural and leisure assets, providing an overall tourism. enhanced experience for all users and visitors. It is important to focus first on increasing the use and visits to The Waterway is used for a wide range of recreational the Waterway by residents in the local catchment, prior to activities, including all types of boating, fishing, recreational day seeing to increase the numbers of day visitors and then walking and cycling, general sightseeing and special waterside the more infrequent visitor who may visit the Waterway but events such as the Leicester Waterside Festival. In addition, who takes away a positive impression becoming a wider located adjacent to the Waterway are important national, champion of Leicestershire. local and regional visitor attractions such as the National Space Museum, the Walkers Stadium, the Bell Museum, Areas for Action: Loughborough Basin, Watermead Country Park and Abbey • Explore all opportunities to strengthen the physical Park. The Waterway also provides access to the archaeology relationship between parks/open spaces and the and historic origins and development of the settlements Waterway, eg develop proposals to remove/re-grade along its route and enables an appreciation of nature. embankments between Abbey Park and the waterway improving visibility and access However, presently these assets are considered in isolation • Develop a Waterscape Infomercial/website similar and are marketed as attractions in their own right. There to Nottingham and Livepool, which links the various is limited recognition that the Waterway is actually the attractions within easy reach of the Waterway. These could common link between these assets, enabling access to them be linked to the Waterscape site or hosted independently to be a visitor experience in its own right. and funded from local marketing budgets.

It is recognised that waterways are a unique national tourism • Prepare design proposals for proposed ‘visitor hub’ sites, resource that can play a significant role in supporting local based on the provision of information and facilities – economies by helping enhance the viability of local shops, the specific ‘offer’ at each site to be tailored to suit the businesses and public transport. anticipated demand – to be informed by consultation, market testing and research. The visitor experience could be significantly enhanced by • Explore the potential for new picnic sites and viewing exploiting this common link; the attractions are destinations spots at appropriate locations or ‘hub’ sites and improve along the Waterway, adding interest and a reason to travel existing facilities such as Crow Mill. These could focus up the corridor; and the Waterway is an attractive means by on weir and lock locations where the landscape forms a which to reach these attractions and indeed facilitate the visit natural interest. of multiple attractions.

37 ”Our waterways have a magnificent capacity to engage people of all ages and from all backgrounds. By maximizing this engagement, we will help more people derive benefit and enjoyment from our waterways and, in turn, secure the long term future and sustainability of our canal and rivers.”

HRH The Prince of - BURA 2008

38 5.6 Inspiring Interest and Involvement richness of the Waterway but also promote the water activities. The potential for additional Waterway events should be considered. These could include an annual boat VISIBLE Strategy: Develop a coherent identity, race, a Waterway linked triathlon, themed walks, open air signage and other way finding material for the performances on floating stages or a floating market. Waterway which is user friendly. Encourage engagement at all levels through education and active participation. The Trans-Pennine , encourages engagement through the use of volunteers known as “Friends of the Trail”. As well as The motivation behind the strategy is to increase the promoting the route, they also provide a vital role and act as involvement and awareness of the Waterway in the the eyes and ears on the ground. The group also organises communities which are present along its corridor so that activities such as education days which including tours based they can secure maximum benefit from living in proximity on a number of themes, such as the environment, history, to this greenspace. It is important to be clear that the and children’s perspective. It would be fantastic to inspire a Waterway is an easily accessible resource to be enjoyed as ‘friends of the Leicestershire Waterway’ group. part of everyday life. Areas for Action: This interest will be easier to generate through articulating • Develop a consistent approach to signage, this may be area a common identity for the Waterway (as discussed in the specific in terms of identifying the main character, but should priority ‘Raising the Profile’). This should be complimented be consistent in form and appearance and comprehensive by securing clear and common wayfinding material (such as in the information they provide. A wayfinding strategy is signage) directing users both to and along the Waterway. required in order to provide an overarching framework To inspire interest, this signage should be used to draw for conveying/displaying directions and information. your attention to fascinating features along the Waterway, • Develop an all embracing arts strategy for the Waterway highlight viewing areas and link attractions and “hubs”. which will indentify arts-based interventions. These could include the introduction of public art trails along the Way finding material also included interactive and information Waterway, but being appropriate to the location, and the giving material (such as information bards) which are targeted development of a “living history” event for schools and at a range of users should be provided at specific locations. community groups to develop their own understanding and Consideration should be given to making the wayfinding interpretation of life along the canal and river. This should material innovative in their use of material and energy. For involve local artists, schools and community groups. example, solar and water power could be used to power ‘talking’ interactive points. • Establish research exchange programme with local universities, colleges and industries to explore opportunities Community engagement in the Waterway is already for technical innovation, a waterway management course. successfully inspired thought the annual Loughborough Develop closer ties to tertiary education. Explore the and Leicester Waterside Festivals. These should be used potential for this, as a module that could appeal to a wider as a launch pad for both raising the awareness of the range of student.

39 “In Leicester there are an estimated 82,000 adults considered to be overweight, 43,000 who are obese and around 5000 who are very obese. Obesity is a major concern within Leicestershire both in the prevention and treatment of the condition… The Government’s ‘Choosing Health’ paper identifies that activity and exercise is crucial if health is to improve recognising that increasing exercise will reduce the risk of chronic diseases and premature death and effective action on diet, activity and exercise will help tackle heart disease, cancer, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.”

40Healthy Leicester – Tackling Obesity 2007 5.7 Encouraging Health and Wellbeing The Waterway is also valued very highly for the connection through use of the Waterway it provides with the environment as well as for its pure ‘exercise’ benefits as it can provide “breakout space” especially within the urban environments and be a place to ACCESSIBLE Strategy: Encourage increased use reflect, relax or just get away from the hustle and bustle of of the Waterway corridor by providing a high quality the daily routine. The provision of a high quality environment environment to work, rest and play. to enable contemplative activity is a significant factor in the mental wellbeing of a population. In the East Midlands, it is recognised that a higher than average proportion of the population is obese and there The Waterway should therefore be promoted as an asset are complex economic, environmental, social and cultural to add value to Natural ’s Walking a way to Health factors influencing both the diet and the physical activity campaign and deliver the objectives of the Stepping Stones sides of the ‘energy equation’. The Government’s ‘Choosing Partnership where ‘everyone will have opportunity to Health’ paper identifies that activity and exercise is crucial if participate in a healthier lifestyle” health is to improve, recognising that increasing exercise will reduce the risk of chronic diseases and premature death and Areas for Action: effective action on diet, activity and exercise will help tackle • Establish “Friends of the Waterway”, volunteer wardens heart disease, cancer, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure and rangers. and high cholesterol. • Within the Riverside parks close to the Urban Centres, eg Abbey Park consider the development of City Farm There is clear evidence that access to a rural environment type interactive education centre, these should focus and green open spaces for recreational purpose has a on aquatic life and towpath habitats providing education profound effect on the physical, social and mental wellbeing. and interaction. Engagement of groups with disabilities The wellbeing of a population has a subsequent effect on should be central and have proved very successful in other prosperity. locations.

The towpath along the Waterway is an important asset as • Link existing walkways and cycle routes such as Great it enables walking, running cycling, either as an alternative Central Way and Sustrans network into towpath, and means of travel to work, or for purely recreational purposes. compliment with signage and appropriate wayfinding Water based activities should also be further encouraged. information. There is a longstanding and successful rowing club in Leicester, an outdoor activities centre on the waterside and also opportunities to hire canoes, boats and watercycles at Borrow on Soar.

41 “Accessibility is fundamental to both the waterside and the waterspace for two reasons. To be sustainable, waterway improvements need to be integrated into the wider area so that a sense of ownership and responsibility is created. Secondly, accessibility encourages use and activity, which drives regeneration.”

Planning a future for the inland waterways, IWAAC 2001

42 5.8 Improving Access Areas for Action: • Provision of a continuous footpath link from Loughborough, paying particular attention to the length of waterway ACCESSIBLE Strategy: Provide safe and improved between Barrow and Watermead Country Park. These access along the Waterway and enhance gateways routes should compliment the latest Sustrans proposals to enable access to the Waterway by a range of particularly with the Birstall and Watermead Area. This transport modes. should then be complemented by a cycleway which engages with the towpath but is linked into the national cycleway. The Waterway enjoys excellent transport connections by Signage should indicate the quality of the route in terms of road, rail and air and is a continuous navigable waterway accessibility including both DDA and cycleway. through Leicestershire. However, access to and along • Carry out quality audit and prepare proposals for re- the waterside is often fragmented, variable and reliant on landscaping the existing parking facilities thoughout the permissive rights of way in key areas. study area, eg in particular the two sites at Aylestone and Kilby Bridge. Consideration to be given to opportunities The lack of a continuous accessible route is a significant for revenues generation through ticketing, etc. There constraint on the Waterway realising its true potential. is scope to develop detailed proposals in parallel with An ideal scenario is access for al along the 23 mile stretch potential ‘hub’ interventions. or waterway. However, there is a balance to be struck between greater accessibility, interpretation for the public, • Detailed consideration and design of new access points/ environmental enhancement and reflecting upon what is distinctive gateway points within the study area, plus links appropriate for the distinctive character areas of the corridor. to suggested visitor ‘hub’ sites. Therefore, the degree of access should be considered carefully on a location by location basis, but the over-riding principal of continuous access should be maintained.

Opportunities to integrate the Waterway with other footpaths and cycleway such as the Great Central way and National Cycle Network should be maximised to enable the links with a wider network which can bring people to the Waterway. Enhancing the connectivity of Hub points by a range of nodes will also be incredibly beneficial to improving access and making the Waterway more visible.

43 The vast potential of water transport is clear from the many areas where it brings significant economic benefits and positive social and environmental impact.

Freight on Our Waterways – British Waterways

44 5.9 Optimising Waterway Activity The potential to promote the Waterway as a means of travel by using water taxis and boat trips should also be considered. There are excellent examples of successful ACCESSIBLE Strategy: Optimise the use of the and innovative trip providers elsewhere in the country. The Waterway for leisure based short trip travel and the most famous is the L.S. Lowry which has transported fans to accommodation of business where compatible. every Manchester United home game over the last 10 years. The Waterfront has similarly recently commenced A clear indicator of a healthy waterway is on the water activity. restaurant based trips along the . The benefit of animation within a corridor, in terms of boat movements, water-based events and similar leisure activities, Areas for Action: is the ambience and feel they provide. The Liverpool Link, • Investigate all ideas and opportunities for increased water opening up the Albert Docks through an extension to the based activity, eg the introduction of a water bus for Leeds and Liverpool canal, is evidence of the value placed match days for both the Tigers and City home games? on such animation. Subject to trialling/market testing and feasibility work, a suitable starting point should be identified, and along with This strategy seeks to ensure that the ‘waterspace’ is adequate parking provision. This could be extended to treated as an integral part of any proposals, recognising include Water restaurant or Christmas trips along the City the opportunities to create a unique environment for living, section of the waterway? working and leisure. • Carry out an audit of existing mooring provision and seek to promote high quality mooring and improved welfare Pilings Lock marina, which was complete and officially facilities close to the Leicester City Centre – investigate all opened in 2008, is a good example of how quickly facilities potential sites (including Lime Kiln and potential for offline can become focal points along this Waterway. It is already a moorings at the basin adjacent to Red Hill roundabout, successful and active marina. Belgrave) and carry out market testing in conjunction with British Waterways. In addition to the range of ‘traditional’ activities on the water including boating and angling, there may be scope • Expand the programme of regular water festival events at to promote a number of other uses on the water. These key locations throughout the year. Watermead Country could include floating restaurants/retail as well as events Park could play a pivotal role in hosting one such event. performance space on the water. Public art also has a role to play, providing valuable opportunities to engage the local community in a wide range of art based initiatives, all of which will help to raise the profile of the waterway and instill a greater sense of ownership amongst local people.

45 46 06. The Concept of the ‘Hub’

• Adequate parking provision (good access by road and by In considering the leisure and tourism potential of water) the waterway corridor as a whole, There is significant • Toilets (male, female, disabled) scope for enhancing the overall quality of the offer through a considered menu of development projects, • Information (site specific and referring to other hubs/ including reinvigorated and new attractions, as well destinations) as comprehensive environmental enhancements. In • Refreshments seeking to unlock the true potential of the Leicestershire Waterway as a leisure resource, the concept of clusters • Outdoor amenity space of activity or ‘visitor hubs’ is promoted. The intention is that each ‘visitor hub’ will comprise these core This has a number of benefits: components to ensure quality and consistency of the offer. • It introduces rhythm to the corridor by providing Beyond that, a range of complementary facilities may then attractions and events at key intervals be added, with the mix of uses tailored to suit existing needs, potential demand and planning/environmental constraints in • Each cluster or hub can develop its own character to add each location. Suggested facilities could include cycle hire, to the richness of the waterway experience boat trips/hire, cafe/tea room, pub/restaurant, retail (eg. • It provides clearly identifiable focal points, to enable convenience, outdoor clothing, souvenirs), boaters’ facilities visitors to orientate themselves within the corridor – eg. showers/changing, elsan, pump out, refuse, holiday accommodation - suites, lodges?, education/community • Concentrations of activity will help to ensure that attractive space. and dynamic local centres are created/enhanced, which might otherwise be diluted if uses were uniformly spread Based on the above, the suggested locations and composition along the canal of ‘visitor hubs’ is outlined overleaf and illustrated on the maps in Appendix A. The identified hub sites include existing The concept of the ‘visitor hub’ is concerned with the local destinations which would benefit from enhancement as provision of leisure amenities and facilities in strategic well as the provision of new hubs : locations. Building on the underlying principle of ‘joining things up’, as exemplified through the desire for a continuous footpath/cycleway associated with the waterway corridor, the intention is to create a flexible model or template for development which includes the following core components:

47 Loughborough Wharf Watermead Country Park As an existing terminus/destination linking to town centre, Already an important leisure destination, Watermead Loughborough Wharf already acts as ‘visitor hub’, with Country Park offers very limited built facilities and clearly the recently opened bar/restaurant and student housing has much potential to capitalise on the existing visitor focused around the basin. However, there is scope for numbers. The infrastructure (in terms of road access and car increased commercial use around the water’s edge and parking, including remote ticketing which brings revenue for waterspace activity (mix of uses), including potential for management and maintenance). There is scope for outdoor temporary floating attractions in the basin (eg. floating pursuits, including adventure centre as well as education and stage/performance space for special events). In addition, community space. Watermead Country Park would certainly opportunities exist to improve links to the town centre benefit from a ‘one-stop-shop’ green energy visitor centre through considered public realm improvements. that combines the full range of visitor facilities, including outdoor clothing and souvenirs. This would become a real focus for the local community, whilst also attracting visitors This is another established destination, although the ‘offer’ from further afield. differs significantly from that of Loughborough Wharf. There is scope at Barrow-upon-Soar to complement the In addition, there is significant scope to strengthen the existing range of facilities and amenities, including cafe, pub/ relationship between the Country Park and the canal – there restaurant, boat hire (as well as innovative ‘watercycle’ hire) are a number of ways to achieve this, including creating with cycle hire. The objective must be to increase the quality distinctive gateways into/out of Watermead from the canal of the offer through sensitive enhancement, whilst retaining as well as providing opportunities to arrive by boat (taxi/trip the attractive rural qualities of the place. boat from the city centre?)

48 City Centre / Abbey Park Kilby Bridge Opportunities to celebrate Abbey Park’s status and location As an existing canal yard and mini-destination, Kilby Bridge as a city centre waterfront park with improved access and has the potential to become key ‘honeypot’ site. Subject complementary off-side development. At present the park to further feasibility studies, including an assessment of is invisible from the canal, which flows alongside it, forming operational requirements and market demand, there is the western boundary to it. Judicious removal of the grass potential for the sensitive development of the canal yard to embankment and a more sympathetic boundary treatment provide a greater mixed of uses, with a focus on leisure and would go a long way to strengthening the relationship tourism – including a marina opportunity? between the public open space and the waterspace. The existing public house (The Navigation) and its relationship Visitor facilities at the interface of land and water would to the water could also be much improved, with direct provide a strategic gateway to the park and ‘staging post’ pedestrian links to a reinvigorated canal yard. along the waterway. Again cycle hire may be appropriate at this location, with complementary facilities.

Aylestone Meadows There is potential for a new visitor hub to create a mini- destination in close proximity to the Walkers football stadium and weir. There may be scope to harness green (renewable) energy from the nearby weir and use this to help heat/light a new ‘hub’. This location would also act as a magnet for visitors to , proving an attractive focal point.

Glen Parva At a more modest level, there is potential for an enhanced attraction on the site of the existing low key picnic area, with potential for mix of leisure and community uses. The small parking area could be expanded/improved (including ticketing provision) and there is scope to provide information, shelter and facilities, including additional visitor mooring provision.

49 50 07. The Way Forward

7.1 The Waterway 2008 to 2012 The nine strategic priorities are a mixture of Waterway Between 2008 and 2012 delivery should focus on the more wide and also locationally specific actions. They are co- modest and achievable projects. This will help to build a sense dependent so the successful delivery of one priority of momentum and confidence in the Waterway amongst will help achieve another. Investment, management existing and potential users, businesses and investors. This and promotion are required to deliver the nine confidence will be vital to secure the substantial investment strategic priorities successfully. There is a balance of over the longer term to fundamentally, reinvigorate and priorities which are relatively modest, easier to achieve reposition Waterway. and can deliver results in the short term and those which require more significant resource investment. Corridor Wide Waterway Initiatives: It is considered this balance will help to demonstrate • Form a strong, Waterway Partnership consisting of the delivery and build momentum and support for the local authorities and key agencies. This Partnership should more significant projects. be headed by a champion who takes responsibility for ensuring the delivery of this Strategy.

The next stage of this study will involve a number of public • Re-brand to the “Leicestershire Waterway Park” and consultation events to confirm what the priority interventions promote strong and attractive image through all literature should be. These interventions shall form the basis of the and marketing material. Development Plan. • Develop a consistent approach to signage and produce a wayfinding strategy. This section outlines a route plan for the next 12 years, describing at high level what initiatives might be undertaken • Compile a funding strategy and through the strong identity to deliver the strategy. The interventions have been divided of the Waterway, engage a champion to promote the into three phases, from short term, more straightforward Waterway’s potential to deliver other funding related interventions through to longer term, more complex actions objectives. which are likely to require further study. • Produce an area wide integrated Conservation Plan, to define the significance of the environmental resource. The strategy will require periodic evaluation to ensure This would take full account of the ecology, water quality, delivery of the “Vision” is being progressed. The strategy has natural heritage, built heritage and the impact of enhanced longevity, however it is important it is reviewed at the start public engagement and interaction. of each phase, to ensure the current needs are being met • Draft an Access strategy to resole which areas need to and social and economic changes are accounted for. be improved to which standard and secure agreement / funding to commence access upgrades.

51 52 Area Specific Initiatives: • Ensure that the Waterway has a high profile within the • Support Glen Pava Parish in their Local Nature Reserve Country’s Tourist information. application. • Explore the potential for enhancing waterway activity via • Identify specific locations requiring access upgrade and water bus to specific events. commence access upgrades. • Investigate locations for additional mooring and marina • Identify the facilities required to enhance / develop ‘hubs’ space. and promote thorough necessary plans and strategies if • Expand the programme of waterway events. required. • Link current tourist attractions with the Waterway and Area Specific Initiatives: promote them coherently. • Develop a City Centre Basin, re-introducing boating to close to the heart of Leicester. 7.2 The Waterway 2012 to 2016: • Provide a continuous footpath link from Loughborough Between 2012 and 2016 the Leicestershire Waterway to Leicester, with specific attention the sections between Partnership should focus on building on the knowledge Barrow- upon- Soar and Watermead Country Park gained in the preceding period and delivering more ambitious interventions. 7.3 The Waterway 2016 to 2020 Corridor Wide Waterway Initiatives: It is envisaged that by 2020, the Waterway, will be a nationally • Deliver high quality architecture steered by the design recognised example of how the waterside can be used to code. balance the needs of the environment in conjunction with • Establish the Waterway as an exemplar for sustainable high quality development and public realm, which meets the energy, an “eco-waterway”; including a new Green Energy needs of the communities through which it passes. education hub based at Watermead. The Waterway will no longer be a hidden asset but • Provision of a high quality access along the route including considered integral to the lives of those who live, and work linkages into the main cycle and footway networks. This in the corridor. The Waterway, in combination with the should be reflected in increased participation on the excellent strategic transport links, will be an attractive place towpath of 30% on all sections. to invest and do business, attracting new businesses as well • New signage and wayfinding material should be installed, as retaining those already located within the corridor. • Explore all opportunities to strengthen the physical relationship between the open spaces and the Waterway,

53

APPENDIX a

55 Key to Character Map

City Centre Waterfront Sub-Urban Fringe

Character: Character: High density urban environment Medium/low density built forms set within significant Tall buildings, strong built frontage to waterway open areas with planting Predominantly hard landscape, with limited open areas Use of native species, managed to give a naturalistic character Contained views along waterway corridor Spatial Connections: Spatial Connections: Linear space with medium enclosure Strong spatial link across waterway Strong ‘corridor’ feel to waterway Range of pedestrian and vehicle bridge crossings Few bridge crossings emphasise linear nature of canal Water as focal space Poor links to existing green assets, eg. Abbey Park

Urban Waterside Country Park

Character: Character: Medium/high density urban environment Area of open space with dominant green environment Historic buildings (potential for re-use) - significant Water/wetland habitats a major component Industrial archaeology Native species, managed to give a naturalistic character Predominantly hard landscape, softened by planting Wider areas of waterspace associated with weirs, etc. Spatial Connections: Key road bridge links across waterway Spatial Connections: Important nodal point Strong spatial links across canal with water as focal space Limited connectivity between park and waterway - Surfaced towpath – walking/cycling route Significant potential for improvement

56 Rural

Character: Medium/low density built form set within significant open areas established hedgerows and native planting create soft, green character Poorly defined footpaths / permissive rights of way

Spatial Connections: Isolated accommodation bridge crossings link agricultural areas Individual buildings/settlements break the sense of linearity elsewhere on the immediate waterway network Varying quality of towpath route creates disjointed experience

Remote Rural

Character: Natural landscape dominant forming soft green environment Use of native species and naturalistic character and to encourage natural regeneration Absence of defined footpath

Spatial Connections: Linear space with strong enclosure Absence of crossing points Water acts as a barrier with defined ’edge’ to land on either side of canal Lack of continuous waterside walking/cycling route

57 Character Zones

58 Edge Treatment

59 Enclosure Built

60 Enclosure Vegetation

61 Open Space

62 Towpath Condition

63 Waterspace Analysis

64 Tourism Hubs

65

APPENDIX B

67 Principle Capital Funding Policies

Emda Waterways Regeneration Up to £500,000 per project which meet following criteria: Fund 1) Waterways destination projects 2) Restoration projects 3) Land remediation projects 4) Large scale project development and 5) Waterway transport schemes. Heritage Lottery Fund There are a number of programmes for different values of grant. Ranging from £3,000 to £2,000,000. Used recently for interpretation and way finding at . Aggregates Levy Sustainability Tax on sand, rock and gravel extraction. Leicestershire County Council has secured £50,000 per year towards Fund community projects for 3 years in Birstall to Loughborough area from Soar Major Extraction Site. British Waterways Waterside An innovative joint venture between Scottish & Newcastle Pub Enterprises (S&NPE) and British Waterways Pub Partnership with Scottish with British Waterway’s share of the profits reinvested into the upkeep of the nation’s canals and rivers. & Newcastle English Nature’s ‘Walking Away A modest fund to promote healthy lifestyles Currently promoted in Charnwood and Oadby & Wigston. The to Health’ Fund Waterway could be a promoted route. Growth Area Fund 3 Cities and 3 Counties awarded £5.1 m capital + £385,000 revenue from CLG most of which committed, but may relate to Waterway improvements. Connect2 Proposals Use the Waterway corridor to create high quality local walking & cycling routes throughout UK (Funded via Sustrans / Big Lottery / Local Transport Plan). Linking to Energy The Waterway could be utilised as a sustainable cooling / heat exchange mechanism reducing the need for Opportunities energy. The weirs located along the Waterway could also be used to generate Energy. Potential to sell the energy generated back to the grid for re-investment in the Waterway or to partner with local power supplied E.ON should be investigated.

68 Options Providing A Course Of Revenve Funding

Local Authority Budgets Represent one of the most secure sources of revenue income, there is an increasing pressure on local authority budgets and therefore the viability of this option is becoming generally more limited. Section 106 agreements Can be levied on new-build development to fund the upkeep of spaces. However, questionable application when development is not viable or being supported by public funding and not suitable for existing development. Local authority Business Aimed at encouraging local authorities and businesses to work together to create an environment conducive Growth Initiative for business. Enables local authorities to retain a proportion of the increase from business rates. Business Improvement Districts Can be used to encourage businesses that want to improve their trading environment to agree to pay for (BIDs) additional services beyond those provided by the local authority. They can be a means of funding green space/public realm management. Endowments Can provide a long-term income offering clear opportunities for longer-term sustainability. However, acquiring assets of sufficient value is often a challenge and hence management strategies are rarely built solely around endowments.

For example: The Milton Keynes Park Trust manages 4,500 acres of the city’s green spaces funded through an endowment of commercial property which are owned freehold by the trust. Income Generation Activities Potential options include the payment for access or facilities such as sports facilities, a visitor centre, café, shop renting building space or licensing activities such as angling or horse riding. Requires consideration during the planning and development phase of a project. Opportunities to earn income are often lost because assets are stripped off for development rather than being maintained with the green space. Taxation Initiatives Levies on property or tax credits which can be ring-fenced for the maintenance. This has clear advantages in terms of a secure and reliable source of income. The weakness is that in England, local authorities have limited autonomy to impose additional local taxes. Nonetheless, there may be opportunities through application of Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) and Neighbourhood Improvement Districts (NIDs). Voluntary and community Not-for-profit organisations and voluntary and community groups can contribute time and labour, raise funds sector involvement and encourage community development local ownership of urban green space. The tax-relief status of such organisations can be beneficial and they may also be able to gain access to additional funding sources. A weakness of this approach however is defining the nature of the relationship with the local authority (in particular, in respect of accountability) and the reliance on groups which might not exist in the long-term.

69

Produced by Arup and Lathams On behalf of the River Soar Steering Group