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A short section of the canal in Droylsden will be back in water shortly, as redevelopment of the area between Manchester Road and Fairfield Lock is now underway! This will include the construction of a marina behind the present Library building. The former swimming baths have been demolished in preparation for the development and have been replaced by a superb new pool at Medlock Leisure Centre in Droylsden.  Artist's impression of the Marina Development in Droylsden. (Picture courtesy of Watkins Jones) The original proposals included buildings blocking the line of the canal beyond the marina but representations from the society have resulted in modifications, so that the line of the canal could now be restored through to Manchester Road Bridge and beyond.. The re-building of Tesco's store to the north of Manchester Road will not affect the line of the canal. The development will mean restoring the canal for approximately 175 metres from Fairfield Junction. The canal will be the centrepiece of a housing and marina development. Watkin Jones are the developers appointed by Tameside Council while British Waterways have been given the task of the canal design work. When completed there also will be permanent moorings for up to thirty boats and space for visiting boats. British Waterways will be responsible for this new section of canal.  Artist's impression of the Marina Development in Droylsden. (Picture courtesy of Watkins Jones) Some of the original wash walls are still in place but are in part in poor condition. Retaining them would have created problems for the site layout and led to maintenance problems, so the new canal will be built from scratch, with new wash walls. The section of canal route between the marina basin and Manchester Road Bridge will not be restored at this stage, but the route will be preserved and will pass under a new building spanning the canal line. There will be improved facilities for boaters at Fairfield Junction, rather than placing, for example, toilet emptying in amongst the new canalside shopping and bar area! See photos of "cutting the first sod" at the marina site! See photos of progress at the marina site in March 2008. See photos of progress at the marina site in May 2008. See photos of water being let into the marina in May 2008. See photos of the marina in water in July 2008. See photos of opening the marina in September 2008. |
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