Nottingham Regeneration Limited

Missing Link Scheme is launched

The MPs, along with cyclists and walkers, will be getting together on site on 6 November to celebrate the official opening of the £1.5 million landmark scheme which will breathe new life into the area, creating a green traffic-free route for cyclists, boaters, walkers and the disabled.

Meadow Lane Lock has improved facilities at the site and has improved access to Nottingham city centre by providing the key 'missing link' between the existing canal towpath and Victoria Embankment.

John Heppell, MP for Nottingham East in which the new link is situated, said:
'This not only provides a 'missing link' in Nottingham's waterways it also develops a safe route for cycling to work or a place to have a pleasant stroll during a lunch break. It will be an amenity enjoyed by the people of Nottingham and another attraction for visitors to the city.'

Improvements include the installation of a wider footbridge and the creation of a public rest area. As well as a river viewing platform, and an improved boater amenity building, the scheme creates more visitor moorings for boats along the River Trent. The towpath has been resurfaced, completing the final stage of the ongoing development work which has taken place over the last five years along the Nottingham Beeston Canal.  

The programme, which has been championed by Nottingham Waterside Limited (NWL), is to provide an important gateway to Nottingham's award winning 'Big Track' sustainable circular transport route through the city centre and provide an attractive link to Nottingham's largest regeneration areas - the Waterside Regeneration Zone.

The regeneration is being funded by various partners including British Waterways, East Midlands Development Agency (emda), Nottingham City Council and the Homes & Communities Agency, as part of the Growth Point Initiative.  Morrison Construction was the main contractor for the works, following design and planning from Atkins consultants.

The Nottingham Beeston Canal is a key destination in the East Midlands, attracting thousands of people every year. During 2008, over 400,000 visits were recorded from commuters, joggers, cyclists and dog walkers.  The canal also attracted over 3,000 boaters who travel from across the country to enjoy Nottinghamshire's impressive landscape and architecture from a unique perspective, and visit the many tourist hotspots.

Councillor Jane Urquhart, portfolio holder for transport and area working said: 'The Embankment Link is a wonderful asset for the city and provides a much needed off road connection in the walking and cycling network. Not only does it complete a missing link in the Big Track, it also opens up the potential to expand the riverside paths to promote regeneration along the Trent and stimulate further investment in our city.'

British Waterways acting general manager; Sean McGinley said: 'The Meadow Lane project will bring significant benefits to Nottingham. By further opening up the canal as a cleaner, greener traffic-free route into and out of the city the project will form a key part of Nottingham's ongoing local transport plan and improve access for visitors to enjoy the city's impressive and diverse waterside. The works will form a significant part of the future regeneration plans along the River Trent in Nottingham over the next 10 years.'

Mich Stevenson, chair of NWL, said: 'This has been a partnership of several agencies working together to enhance an important part of the city waterways. The new link enhances the waterfront and unlocks the potential for regeneration and development in the waterside area. What we have created is a greener, more attractive route for everyone living and working in the city - as well as visitors to the area.'