The Lough Erne Canoe Trail

For the first time in the awards’ history, a project based in Northern Ireland was the recipient of an accolade. The Lough Erne Canoe Trail, which tonight triumphed in the ‘Innovation’ category, was recognised alongside projects organising ferry trips along the Mersey, the strengthening of a working Lock in Keadby, North Lincolnshire and a waterside education programme on a Fenland river, Cambridgeshire, as some of the best examples of waterway renewal in the country. A surprise announcement of an Award for Outstanding Achievement was also made at the ceremony which was given to Stourport Forward and British Waterways for the transformation of canal-town, Stourport-on-Severn in Worcestershire.

Now in their sixth year, the Waterways Renaissance Awards aim to recognise best practice in sustainable waterway regeneration and development throughout the UK. The winners of the ten categories were announced at a prestigious awards ceremony and dinner, which took place at the Imperial War Museum North in Manchester on the 12th March 2008.  The event was hosted by Jim Hancock, former BBC Political Editor and presenter of BBC News North West. He is now an associate of Vision, Creative and Communications Consultants.

Roger Hanbury, Chief Executive of The Waterways Trust, said: “The modern renaissance of our waterways continues to transform our environment, creating education and business opportunities, injecting new life into formerly neglected areas and bringing communities together. All projects making the final list are excellent examples of what can be achieved with vision, commitment and partnership working.”

The nominations were judged by an independent assessment panel, comprising waterway, conservation and regeneration experts and chaired by Sir Neil Cossons.

The Results for the ten categories in The Waterways Renaissance Awards 2008 are:

COMMUNITY - sponsored by Defra

Winner:  Hemlington Lake - Middlesbrough

Hemlington Lake sits in parkland on the outskirts of Middlesbrough. Surrounded by a residential estate, the area has suffered from years of deprivation, crime, vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

The Environment Agency worked in partnership with a number of public, private and community groups including Groundwork South Tees, Middlesbrough Council and Middlesbrough Partnership, which provided the initial funding from the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund. The Friends of Hemlington Lake Group has provided strong local leadership from the start, ensuring that this project met the needs of the community.

The project aimed to promote biodiversity and provide new community facilities; it has also succeeded in reducing crime and anti-social behaviour, as well as encouraging community pride and involvement that is set to continue through the hard work of the Friends group.

Runner Up: Pendle’s Canal Corridor Development Project, Lancashire
Commended: Fielden Wharf - Upper Calder Valley Rural Renaissance, West Yorkshire

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION - sponsored by ISIS Waterside Regeneration

Winner: British Waterways Stainforth and Keadby Canal: Keadby Lock Strengthening and Mechanisation, North Lincolnshire

A Grade II listed and Scheduled Ancient Monument, Keadby Lock in North Lincolnshire is a working lock that also plays an important role in drainage at times of flooding. Following concerns about its long-term structural integrity, work began on the construction of a relieving wall system, repair of the timber base and a redesign of the mechanisation, including motors and rams.

Design and construction of the £2.7 million strengthening scheme was guided by the analysis of lock movements which have been monitored since 1997. The historical value of the structure was recognised through the use of traditional techniques and the close working relationship maintained by British Waterways with English Heritage.

The lock is now a safer environment and provides improved facilities which enhance the enjoyment of the waterway for all its visitors.

Runner Up: Electric Wharf, Warwickshire
Commended: Diglis Water, Worcestershire

EDUCATION AND LEARNING - sponsored by Crosby Lend Lease

Winner: The Nene Waterfront Regeneration Education Programme, Cambridgeshire

The Nene Education Project is a key element of a wider £47 million regeneration scheme of the Nene Waterfront that will turn the area into an attractive new quarter with an up-market river frontage. The project partners, led by Fenland District Council, felt it was equally important to raise the aspirations of future generations of Wisbech, affected by decades of deprivation and economic decline.

The overall project is setting foundations for a truly sustainable future by educating Wisbech’s young people to care for and understand their environment. There are a number of elements to the programme that enable young people to take part in activities on the waterway. One of these initiatives links schools with the construction sites to give young people the opportunity to talk to those involved in the construction works and broaden their horizons. In addition, the Foyer Project provides accommodation and a learning facility for homeless or disadvantaged young people.

Runner Up: Elsdale II, the West London Floating Classroom, London
Commended: The Wet Feet Project, Cornwall & Devon
Commended: Canal Boat Adventure Project - Nessie Club, Cheshire

HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT - sponsored by Royal Haskoning

Winner: Restoration of Buildings and Canal Structures, Stourport Basins, Worcestershire

Stourport’s 18th and 19th Century buildings, locks and basins of are undergoing major restoration with the aim of re-engaging the town with the canal, improving the group value of the structures and enhancing the area for visitors.

Restoration work has focused on practical improvements that also add to the heritage value of the structures, and this work has been based on evidence and recollections provided by the local community on the area’s previous use.

The complete project has received funding from a number of sources, including The Heritage Lottery Fund; British Waterways; and Advantage West Midlands, via Stourport Forward. Stourport has already seen an increase in visitors to the basins, and the project has had a significant role in prompting further regeneration projects that will continue to improve the area.

Runner Up: Smethwick Summit Canal Corridor Canal Improvement Project, West Midlands
Commended: The Horse Boating Society - Horse boating on Britain's inland waterways: Why do canals have towpaths?

INNOVATION – sponsored by Halcrow

Winner: Lough Erne Canoe Trail - Countryside Access and Activities Network for Northern Ireland

The Lough Erne trail is the first canoe trail of its kind in the UK. Designed by canoeists, the trail has succeeded through its practicality, attractiveness and accessibility to a wide range of user groups. 

The trail is accompanied by onshore interpretation material and a website providing maps, advice on sustainability and information ranging from local facilities to biodiversity which help to promote the area as a whole. Following the successful marketing of this project, further canoe trails in Northern Ireland are being developed under one banner: ‘Canoe Northern Ireland’.

The project is managed by the Countryside Access and Activities Network and was funded from a variety of sources. Key partners in the project’s maintenance and delivery included the Department for Culture, Arts and Leisure (Inland Waterways), the Environment and Heritage Service, Fermanagh District Council, Waterways Ireland, The National Trust and The Canoe Association of Northern Ireland.

Runner Up: Electric Wharf, Warwickshire

NATURAL ENVIRONMENT - sponsored by Natural England

Winner: Sinderland Brook and the Stamford Brook Development, Cheshire

The Stamford Brook development comprises the decanalisation of the Sinderland Brook and a new housing development of approximately 700 apartments and homes on land that was formerly part of the Dunham Massey Estate and is now owned by The National Trust.

Sinderland Brook had been heavily modified in the past and posed the threat of flood risks to the wider community. A wide view was therefore taken to ensure that environmental and water management were integrated into the vision for the area. As part of the scheme, the waterway was returned to its origin as a meandering river that naturally re-adjusts its platform, significantly reducing flood risks and enhancing the natural environment. A Sustainable Urban Drainage System was also implemented, maximising opportunities for habitat creation.

Commended: Clean Beck’s Campaign - Middlesbrough

PARTNERSHIP – sponsored by Morrison Construction
 
Winner: The Rochdale Canal Festival 2007, Greater Manchester

The Rochdale Canal Festival was a summer programme of free, canal-related activities, aimed at 7-14 year olds with the goal of raising awareness and appreciation of the Rochdale Canal. Local volunteers were crucial to the success of the programme which was funded by Rochdale and Oldham Councils and delivered within a limited budget in just eight weeks.

Throughout the programme’s two week duration, over 1,000 young people participated in activities including angling sessions, boat rides, guided walk, wildlife exploration, kayaking and bicycle adventures.

The festival was recognised as having potential to be repeated annually, to lead to other activities throughout the year as well as sparking an interest in the waterway that has continued in the local community long after the event.

Runner Up: Stourport Forward Market Towns Initiative and British Waterways Partnership, Worcestershire
Commended: North Oxford Canal Partnership, Oxfordshire

RECREATION AND TOURISM - sponsored by St George 
 
Winner: Mersey Ferries – Manchester Ship Canal Ship Cruises, Merseyside & Greater Manchester

Mersey Ferries have been providing trips along the famous Manchester Ship Canal since the 1960s. The trips offer visitors the opportunity to see and learn about the striking new and old, natural and man-made features of the Mersey Estuary. Many trips include stop-offs at tourist attractions in Liverpool and Salford Quays. Mersey Ferries also contribute to the aim of raising awareness of the area by participating in initiatives such as ‘The Quays’ Partnership, The Mersey Partnership and Marketing Manchester.

Mersey Ferries has experienced a surge in passenger numbers, seeing a growth of 22% in 2007. The service is expanding and developing to provide extra trips, staff training and a refurbished vessel with better accessibility. The Mersey Ferries are applauded for the successful and effective execution of a simple idea.

Runner Up: North Oxford Canal Partnership, Oxfordshire
Commended: Dallow Lock, Staffordshire
Commended: Lancaster Waterbus, Lancashire

STRATEGY & MASTERPLANNING – sponsored by The Wood Wharf 

Winner: Mersey Vale Nature Park, Greater Manchester

The Mersey Vale Nature Park, formerly a bleach works site, has been transformed from derelict, private land to a clean, safe environment and a publicly owned asset.

The initial masterplan based upon input from public consultation and Stockport Council continued working with a range of partners, from developers and land owners to special interest groups and regional agencies, to create a shared vision for the local area. The project was successfully delivered as a result of genuine commitment from all parties.

The park is now a focus for activity with the local community engaged in hosting fun days and developing a community orchard. A real sense of local ownership means this high quality physical environment will continue to be used and maintained.

Runner Up: Creating the Weaver Way, Cheshire
Commended: Mersey Waterfront Strategic Framework, Merseyside & Cheshire

AREA-BASED REGENERATION - sponsored by Arup

No winner

Commended: Cornmill Gardens, Lewisham, London

This category looks to award projects of a significant scale. Whilst the panel felt there were no large-scale projects that met the category’s rigorous criteria fully, they did believe that Cornmill Gardens displayed many very effective elements of small-scale area regeneration and therefore commended it in this category. The scheme sees the development of a new town centre public park and the remodelling of the River Ravensbourne which bisects the urban landscape. The concrete culvert was removed and replaced with planted valley embankments, softening the water’s edge and enhancing biodiversity and wildlife. The actual stretch of river is shallow and only 100m long but through careful and considerate delivery, this area’s transformation shows what an asset our waterways can be when well-maintained and connected with their wider environment for the public’s enjoyment.

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD:
Once one of the busiest inland ports in the UK, Stourport experienced a period of decline and since the early 20th century had clearly changed from a canal town to a manufacturing town. However, recent years have seen Stourport undergo a major transformation aimed at bringing its unique historic setting back into full vibrant use, attracting more visitors and re-engaging the people of the town with the historic basins.

Stourport Forward was formed initially to deliver and manage a four year regeneration programme, the Stourport Forward Market Towns Initiative, and, by taking on the role of Accountable Body, British Waterways enabled this £4 million regeneration scheme to go ahead.

An extensive programme of physical regeneration is complemented by a programme of interpretation and events, landscaping improvements, volunteer opportunities and several arts commissions along with a grant scheme for smaller projects and a community chest scheme. One judge commented “it feels like one cannot walk 100 metres in Stourport without seeing projects that have been touched by the initiative.”

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