Inland waterways as a catalyst for regional development in Europe Glenn Millar Economic Development Manager British Waterways
What is British Waterways? Public corporation Government-owned not-forprofit organisation Set up under Transport Act 1962 Functions:- - Maintain & conserve inland waterways & their heritage - Encourage recreation, tourism & educational use of the waterways - Encourage waterside regeneration - Facilitate freight transport
Freight transport EU Network - 35,000 km 450 million tonnes of freight carried each year Bulk cargos agricultural products, coal, iron & steel, aggregated, petroleum products, chemicals Heavy lifts Good transported:- Growing:- Containers Domestic & industrial waste Distribution in cities Biofuels
Freight transport Enlargement of waterways in the Trans European Network to take advantage of economies of scale and remove bottlenecks Seine Nord Project, France High capacity Class Vb waterway Linking Rivers Seine & Schelde Axis: Paris Antwerp Rotterdam New canal 106 km in length Scheduled to open 2015
Tourism & recreation waterways Many smaller waterways have received limited investment to enhance freight capacity Now tourism & recreation uses predominate
Waterways and regional development Multi-functional use of waterways Benefits of inland waterways:- Economic Waterside regeneration Business development Environmental Natural environment Climate change Cultural heritage Sustainable transport Social Health & well-being Education & learning Social cohesion
Waterside regeneration (1) Revitalising urban & rural areas Focus for regeneration & growth Attractive & welcoming green infrastructure Enhancing the image of cities & towns
Waterside regeneration (2) Restoration of disused waterways Creation of new waterway links
Waterside regeneration (3) Restoration of the Kennet & Avon Canal, England 140 km-long canal in the south of England Gradually restored during 1980s & 1990s Re-opened in 2001 through 30 million project Change 1995 2005 Growth in visitor expenditure of 59% Almost 400 tourism-related jobs created & 700 safeguarded 450 million investment in waterside developments, generating 2,700 jobs 91% of local people feel the restored canal makes their part of England special
Business development Tourism & recreation-based businesses New opportunities renewables, telecoms Skills, training & employment
The natural environment Aquatic and associated land-based habitats & biodiversity Challenges Legislation eg. Water Framework Directive Techniques / good practice eg. dredging Invasive (non-native) species
Climate change adaptation & mitigation Renewable energy Water for heating & cooling of buildings Green corridors for city cooling Ecological corridors for species migration Land drainage & flood management Sustainable transport Challenges Additional costs imposed water supply, integrity of embankments etc.
Buildings & structures Boats Traditions Cultural heritage
Sustainable transport Freight reintroduction on small waterways Water passenger transport Walking & cycling along waterside paths
Health & well-being Physical activity close to where people live Mental well-being closeness to nature Sport gateway to water sport
Education & learning Learning outside the classroom for schoolchildren Outdoor activities for young people
Social cohesion Volunteering / Third sector activity Opportunities for disadvantaged groups Initiatives to deal with anti-social behaviour
Waterways for Growth Interreg IVB North Sea Region Framework for the sustainable development of inland waterways around the North Sea Themes: Stimulating business development Regeneration & restoration Sustainable management of the resource Innovation & new technology 14 partners in UK, Norway, Sweden, Germany, Netherlands & Belgium Led by British Waterways (UK)
Waterways Forward Interreg IVC To improve the management of regional inland waterways in Europe, together with the relationship between the waterways and their adjoining regions 18 partners from 14 countries Led by SRN (Netherlands)
Falkirk Wheel
Falkirk Wheel
Falkirk Wheel
Falkirk Wheel
The Helix Allotments Sports Academy HELIX Structure Planting Central Park Bridge Sentinel Local Nature Reserve Barrow Sentinel Marina Connected Green Network Canal Extension The Kelpies