Restoration - Phase 1A
The length of canal to be restored under the Phase 1A Restoration Programme is between 'The Ocean' at Stonehouse on the Stroudwater Navigation, and Brimscombe Port to the East of Stroud, which is the Thames & Severn Canal. A total length of about 6 miles (see canal route).
The funding also includes provision to purchase the length of the Stroudwater Navigation between Saul Junction and The Ocean. This will not though be restored as part of Phase 1A.
Phase 1A restoration will include:
- 6 miles of canal
- re-instatement of about 1000m of infilled canal (including Brimscombe Port)
- 10 miles of towpath
- construction of 10 bridges
- restoration / re-instatement of 10 locks
and the major reconstruction/redevelopment of Brimscombe Port.
For plans of some of the new and replacement structures, see here.
Funding
The Phase 1A Restoration Programme does have funding*, apart from Brimscombe Port. The Stroud Valleys Canal Company was setup in March 2009 to deliver the restored Phase 1A canal, and to create a multi-user trail between Stonehouse and Saul (part of Phase 1B).
About half of the £24 million funding required to complete Phase 1A has come from an £11.3 million award from the Heritage Lottery Fund. The remaining funding is being provided by other members of the Cotswold Canals Partnership, and donations.
The reconstruction & redevelopment of Brimscombe Port, most of which has already been purchased, will be funded by a developer.
* The Cotswold Canals Trust is committed to providing £800,000 towards the cost of Phase 1A and still has to raise a significant amount of money in order to achieve this. So if you feel like making a donation, the Cotswold Canals Trust would be very pleased to receive it!
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