The Case for Restoration

"Is it worth it?" is a question we often hear - restoring the Sankey, and building the proposed link to the main canal system, will cost big money - around £100,000,000. The question of the technical feasibility has been resolved by the positive report we received in the 1990's from the WS Atkins Report. The question of its financial feasibility was also addressed in that Study - but many people are still sceptical. As you can read elsewhere, earlier this Autumn, the Chairman of British Waterways went away from his visit to the Sankey with a very favourable impression of the potential of the Sankey and the extension as a basis for regeneration along their corridors. The process of gathering detailed information to back up that impression has already begun, as we have said.

By coincidence, two Conferences attended by SCARS Members since Dr. Greener's visit provide insights both into ways in which physical obstacles to restoration are tackled, and the kind of evidence which indicates the benefits in terms of cash returns and regeneration which flow from restored canals.

We are grateful to Peter Keen for making his excellent Notes to these Conferences, some of which are printed in full after the summaries below. They should give sceptics serious food for thought.

1: Canal Based Tourism Conference: Staffordshire University.

In September, representatives of SCARS and the three local authorities attended the above conference. This was aimed at local authorities, intending to point out ways in which the potential for tourism with respect to canal-side sites could be maximised.

First to speak was Robin Williams of British Waterways, who described the recent developments in the use of waterways, from abandonment through restoration to working waterways, and the part played by BW at the various stages. His conclusions were encouraging to all present, stressing the positive ways in which the waterways are undergoing renovation and how tourism can benefit from this.

Next came a case study of the mobilisation of tourism at local level from Andy Zuntz of Rochdale MBC who spoke about the restoration of the Rochdale Canal, the improvements to the local economy made by tourism and the many temporary and permanent jobs which have been introduced to the region as a result of the restoration.

This was followed by the discussion of statistics obtained by a survey carried out by the University under Mr. Rick Ball. This clearly demonstrated the attractiveness of waterways for tourism, but instead of making simple statements, the results were backed up by evidence. This detailed boat movements, people carried, the number of independent boaters, the number of hirers, the differences in behaviour of each, and the accessibility of other visitor attractions.

Graham Clark of The Waterways Trust spoke on the challenges encountered in running and developing the Waterway Trust Museums. Although they collectively form the largest collection of waterway artefacts in the world and receive many thousands of visitors per year, it is still necessary to develop, to seek funding and to improve the facilities available if the museums are to remain viable.

A major case study, the Falkirk Wheel, was then discussed, from its initial planning, through the fund raising and engineering to the finished structure. This has created a tourist attraction in an area where there was previously nothing, and the influx of new visitors has therefore had a marked impact upon it This early success will of course have to be sustained into the future, as the wheel must remain commercially viable.

Martin Barratt of Merlin Entertainment Group took the meeting through an exploration of the marketing opportunities which could be utilised in canal based tourism. It was pointed out that thorough preparation was essential of a tourist attraction was to be viable in the long term. The target client would have to be identified, the market assessed, a realistic budget decided upon and the limits of the project established. Once in operation the attraction cannot afford to be complacent but must continue to research and change in response to the changes around it.

Mike Herbert of St. Modwen Developments Limited spoke on the developers' view of canals and tourism, illustrated with various 'before' and 'after' views of projects with which his company had been involved. At the planning stage all aspects of tourist development are considered relative to the canal, be they part of urban regeneration, business, commercial, retail or residential use. The major question is "does the canal add anything to the project?" and the answer is rarely "no". He then gave details on the proposed Etruria Valley/Festival Waters development project, part of Stoke on Trent's regeneration plan. The local canal is regarded as an 'added value' contributor, with a large role to play in the development of tourism and leisure activities.

Andrew Stumpf of British Waterways then went through the recently completed projects in which BW has played its part, from the Rochdale Canal to the Anderton Lift and the Falkirk Wheel, explaining how the DETR's policy "Waterways for Tomorrow" is being put into practice. It is addressing not only the waterways and their structures but also the environment, urban regeneration, rural recovery, and skills development. The latter is especially relevant to community involvement where it is intended to increase appreciation and participation in the development of the waterways and their wider corridors.

The last contributor was Tim Parker of Black Prince Holidays. This company hires out boats for the canal based holiday maker. In common with most hire companies, Black Prince is a victim of its own success. Having given non-boaters an enjoyable taste of life afloat he sees increasing numbers of them not coming back for another year's holiday, but instead going off to buy their own boats. Whilst this is not favourable to the hire company it is indicative of the increasing popularity of boating, and therefore of assured users of both canals and canal side attractions.

All the speakers of the day were very positive about the benefits to tourism offered by locations beside rivers and canals. During discussion in coffee breaks and at lunch time it was clear that this had struck home with many present who had not previously appreciated the advantages of having a canal in the neighbourhood. It is hoped that delegates went back to their local authorities as new champions of the renaissance of our waterways.

Canal Based Visitors and Tourist Attractions : A Survey Report
Rick Ball and Ian Brown, Centre for Economic and Social Regeneration, Staffordshire University

This project investigated the relationships between canal-based tourists and other tourist attractions, surveyed business and canal tourism factors, and reviewed canal strategies.

The development of tourism demands thorough research into understanding heritage and how it can be nurtured to create economic benefits.

There is the perennial and persistent view that there is a major visitor potential in canal systems. This is widely recognised by tourism professionals, but there is limited evidence on some aspects of the link between the canal resource and the visitor economy.

Success in tourism demands some sort of uniqueness, a good location, market sustainability, flexibility of use and breadth of appeal. There is also the need to learn from other successes or failures.

Issues in canal-based tourism include an assessment of the contribution it can make to the local economy, an examination of the potential for its development, and the identification of what needs to be done to enhance this potential, through marketing, integrated strategies and alternative thinking.

Whilst the canal is the direct recreational facility for boaters and other leisure users, it can help to enhance the image of and amenity value of places which can benefit from the 'canalscape'. Canal-based tourism can therefore be canal focussed, or within and accessible from the canal corridor.

Primary effect of canal tourism are increased license and mooring fees, hire revenue and other expenditure, increased spend in pubs, shops, restaurants, leisure facilities, and other tourist attractions.

There is strong support from Tourist Officers for canal-based tourism. 40% believe that existing canals are a prime tourist resource. Others recognise the potential for growth and competitive advantage based on future developments. 62% believe that tourism is a force for canal regeneration whilst 59% recognise the importance of making linkages to canal side attractions. For locations with significant canal representation in Staffordshire this is seen as heritage attraction, so the figures in this county are 30% higher than elsewhere because of its waterways.

An August survey of boat users in North Staffordshire noted 337 boat movements carrying 1,116 people and 136 pets. There were 241 independent users and 96 hirers. Only 22 boats carried overseas visitors.

44% of boaters preferred rural boating whilst only 3% preferred urban locations. Only 3% were happy mooring in urban areas whilst 67% preferred rural or semi-rural areas. The major detracting factor of urban travel was associated anti-social behaviour which has implications for urban and rural regeneration and visitor attractions.

49% of boaters were likely to visit a canal side attraction, 51% of independents and 42% of hirers. 56% of the independent non-visitors had visited attractions on previous trips but only 7% of hirers were in this category. Where there were children aboard, 59% of boaters visited other attractions whilst 43% without children visited them.

The importance of other visitor attractions is significant since it was considered to be important or very important by 48% of independents but only 23% for hirers. The reasons for this could be that hirers are under time and cost constraints, but the existence of other attractions does influence hirers' boat booking decisions.

Other factors effecting visits to existing attractions concern the availability and safety of moorings, the ease of access to the attractions from the canal, adequate signage from the canal and the willingness of boaters to walk to the attraction.

Charting success has not been completed. Although it is simple to record the number of boat movements and passengers carried, it is more complicated to assess the increased spend in local shops, museums, pubs and other attractions.

The research indicates that whilst there are successes, there are still more opportunities to build on. Promotional and development work needs to be co-ordinated to increase awareness and promote further attractions and canal side development. Partnerships must be built up between the private sector and public agencies. Where there are discernible constraints these should be addressed.

The survey confirmed the potential of the canals as visitor resource and economic opportunity, it reaffirmed the need to publicise the potential, and demonstrated the value of basic research in identifying needs and opportunities. It also assists in policy and strategy formation.

The speakers concluded with the factors which lead to success in any given tourist site : uniqueness, good location, flexibility, breadth of appeal, market sustainability, and attraction development which can all be applied to places with canals and aspirations for visitor growth.

The Development of Canal Based Tourism
Robin Evans, Commercial Director, British Waterways

At the height of their use, Britain's canals carried 30 million tonnes of cargo annually. A sharp decline after WW2 resulted in their rapid abandonment and closure during the 1950s and 1960s. A change of attitude during the 70s and 80s saw the beginning of recreational use and a revival of parts of the system leading to increasing investment during the 1990s and 2000s.

BW currently manages 2000 miles of canal. Another 200 miles have been recently opened whilst further projects are under way.

Places which were previously simply part of the working canals are now attractive destinations in their own right. These include the Waterway Museums, the Anderton Lift, the Falkirk Wheel and Standedge Tunnel. Canals improve the environment, add colour and activity, yet allow the opportunity for peace and tranquillity. BW is making every effort to increase accessibility and to promote tourism.

Boating : There are at present 21,000 private pleasure boats, 1,200 hire boats, 39 hotel boats and 125 trip boats which together generate a revenue of £9M.

Walking : There are 1,500 miles of towpath offering generally level routes which link the towns and countryside. The majority of our population live within 5 miles of a towpath.

Angling : BW is the largest single owner of coarse fisheries. Day tickets and club memberships are available to access canals, rivers and reservoirs.

Cycling : This is becoming increasingly popular, and towpaths form an integral part of the Sustrans cycle network.

The Tourist Market is of considerable value, with ten million visitors to BW waterways annually, making 160 million visits and spending £1.5M.

Boating brings a £36M spend. An average boating holiday costs £700, and there are 250,000 customers per annum. Of this number, BW has 38%, the Broads 48%, and the Thames 8%.

Cottage holidays near water are becoming increasingly popular. There are 1,000 holiday cottages, 750 hotels and 1,000 B&Bs adjacent to inland water.

BW intends to build on current successes in the future. There will be increased concentration on establishing customer needs. BW intends to improve the quality of the waterways and of customer experience. There will be increased provision and improvement of facilities and services as revenue generators. Market research and marketing will be co-ordinated and waterways promoted as destinations. At the same time there is the intent to preserve the ambience, tranquillity, amenity and attractiveness of the waterways.

This will be achieved by the use of current waterways offices, dedicated staff, the promotion of commercial partnerships, and the development of high tech communications networks.

Mobilising Canal Based Tourism at Local Level : The Rochdale Experience
Andy Zuntz, Director of Regeneration, Rochdale M.B.C.

The initial state of the Rochdale Canal called for the refurbishment of 24 locks, the dredging of 50,000 cubic metres of material, 12 new road bridges and 900 metres of new canal channel.

After many years of hard work by the Rochdale Canal Trust and local authorities, it was only when The Waterways Trust was formed and became the owner of the canal that BW became able to undertake the restoration work on its behalf. Other partners involved included the Millennium Commission, the North-West Development Agency and English Partnerships. The last three mentioned contributed £23.8M towards the restoration. The Rochdale Canal Trust must contribute over £500,000 to maintain the canal for the next fifty years.

Engineering work included the restoration of the canal below the M62, Raising the levels of major roads and junctions, constructing a new channel through Failsworth and safeguarding areas of Special Biological Interest.

Research into the value of tourism revealed that 12% of the U.K. population visit canals and this interest is steadily increasing. About 4M people live within 30 minutes drive time of the Rochdale Canal. Rochdale alone attracts 5.7M visitors p.a., spending £90.1M. They are brought to the area by:

• Industrial Heritage Attractions : Steam engine house, Co-operative Pioneer's Museum, former weaving villages and George Stephenson's summit gap railway tunnel and viaduct.
• Architectural Heritage Attractions : Town Hall, Old Grammar School, Heritage Centre and Arts and Crafts building.
• Countryside Attractions : Roman road, nature reserve, Rochdale Way, Pennine Way, Country Park.

New Canal based tourism areas have been developed at Hebden Bridge, at Sowerby Bridge, and at Castlefields and Canal Street in Manchester.

Future plans are set out in a ten year Canal Regeneration Strategy. They will concentrate on Economic Regeneration, the Environment and Heritage, Leisure and Tourism, the Community and Transport and Movement.

It is envisaged that 5000 temporary jobs and 9000 permanent jobs will be created in promoting the natural environment and heritage of the canal corridor, maximising the opportunity for all sectors of the community to use the canal and take pride in the ownership of an important community asset.

Canal based tourism is expected to generate an additional 34,000 day visits, 12,000 visitor nights, 100 new tourism jobs and about £1.6M in tourist spending per annum.

The Rochdale Experience forms a pattern which could be easily adapted for the restoration of the Sankey Canal. In fact, a lot less needs to be done to restore navigation, but the benefits to be obtained are potentially as great. Further evidence was given at the Canal Conference a month later, described below.

2: The Northern Canals Association Conference
13th October 2002

Two members of SCARS Executive Committee attended the above conference on behalf of the Society. The day's programme consisted of two speakers in the morning with site visits after lunch and a final assembly for closing remarks.

First was a presentation on the Rochdale Canal restoration, not through the eyes of the restoration society but from the viewpoint of Keith Paylor (BW's Senior Project Manager) and Chris Wearne (BW's Senior Project Engineer).

Keith first of all described the origins of the canal and its sad history following its official abandonment. Cascaded locks, culverted bridges, infilled sections, encroachment by supermarkets, and localised tipping were but the tip of the iceberg. The greatest obstacles were to be found in major road schemes, which appeared to be too great to overcome.

As a result of continued pressure from the Restoration Society and local councils involved, a public enquiry into the plans of the HighwaysAgency to block the canal by the building of the M66 concluded in favour of the Society and this proved to be the turning point in its fortunes. These were much improved by the assistance of The Waterways Trust which took on the restoration as one of its first projects.

Chris described the way in which a number of major obstacles have been dealt with since then, beginning with the new deep lock at Tuele Lane in Sowerby Bridge. As a logistical exercise this was fairly simple compared with the work necessary to reinstate the canal below an existing busy roundabout, A627, feeding heavy traffic onto and off the M62. A clever scheme allowed this to be achieved with the minimum of disruption to traffic.

In every way, the existing M62 crossing of the canal was the largest problem. The difference in elevation between canal and road levels was so small that tunnelling was out of the question, as was building up the level of the motorway to give sufficient clearance. By good luck there was a farm access tunnel further to the east, where the motorway was higher so the canal has been re-routed through this, the position of the lock has been changed and the farmer has been provided with access to his land via alternative routes. All this work has now been completed and awaits the healing hand of nature to green over the excavation work.

The next speaker was Tav Kasmi, Project Liaison Manager of the Waterways Trust, who spoke on the Trust's skills and expertise which are available to restoration societies, and on the latest TWT initiative, the new volunteer training programme.

TWT offers help in fund raising and project facilitation as well as its resources at the Canal Museums. It has been instrumental in facilitating progress in all the major restoration projects in Tranche One, now completed, and is involved in those in Tranche Two. The Trust is developing links between the volunteer, community, environmental and education sectors, broadening public involvement which will lead to greater public pride in 'their' waterways.

TWT's volunteer project is a two year pilot aimed at championing and enhancing the role of the volunteer in the conservation of the waterway heritage. It will do this by supporting existing waterways restoration, their care and operation, and by increasing the involvement of a wider number of user groups to help in finance, practical work and education. It will also help to involve more local authorities.

Tav directed attention to printed details of volunteer training, available to all the delegates present, and urged them to take advantage of the training on offer. As part of the project, volunteer groups are encouraged to make contact with other local volunteer groups, even if they are not directly concerned with waterways, to seek common ground and perhaps work directly together.

The afternoon site visits were via the A 627 site, to the M62 motorway crossing and afterwards to one of the 12 rebuilt road bridges across the canal. They clearly demonstrated the results possible when groups work together, however small the beginnings, and all concerned are to be congratulated on the success of their efforts.

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