Graham gave an overview of the history of the Runcorn canal and its important role at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. In fact the building of the Bridgewater canal inspired an intense period of canal building across the country. For the first time goods could be brought inland and transported out to the ports more cheaply and efficiently. First opened on 21st March 1776 the canal went from Manchester to Worsley via the Duke of Bridgewater's coal mines; then crossed the Mersey at Barnton before entering the river Mersey itself via a series of 10 locks at Runcorn. In 1965 the locks were filled in due to a decline in canal use.
Due to an increase in recreational boating in recent times and the opening of the new Runcorn - Widnes bridge; Runcorn has the opportunity of restoring the canal and making it one of the major canal centres in the country. After many years of local volunteers campaigning, there is a business plan in place and funding imminent. Work is due to commence this year with the forecast for completion in 2023. Unique features will include a vertical boat lift that will take boats down to a lower part of the canal, new locks will be built with historical accuracy and an "Inclined Plane" system that will take boats to the Manchester Ship Canal.
Due to an increase in recreational boating in recent times and the opening of the new Runcorn - Widnes bridge; Runcorn has the opportunity of restoring the canal and making it one of the major canal centres in the country. After many years of local volunteers campaigning, there is a business plan in place and funding imminent. Work is due to commence this year with the forecast for completion in 2023. Unique features will include a vertical boat lift that will take boats down to a lower part of the canal, new locks will be built with historical accuracy and an "Inclined Plane" system that will take boats to the Manchester Ship Canal.
The new route for the Runcorn Ring.
The Unlock Runcorn project has come a long way since the creation of this 10 minute film, but it gives us a clear vision of the history of the Runcorn canal and the plans to re-invigorate it for future generations.
Graham's talk sparked a host of interesting questions from Historical Society members. It was clear that "Unlock Runcorn" and Graham in particular have left no question unanswered as to how to make the most of this historic project. For example "Will the local population of Runcorn be employed to construct and run the canal? "Absolutely! As a community based charity the agreement is that any contractors that are employed are required to use the local volunteers or provide apprenticeships to train young people. That way the people of Runcorn will be at the heart of the new canal and businesses that result.
Are there plans from the Council to bring the buildings in Runcorn town centre up to spec? Yes the Council are already committed to a "themed" town. In particular the Canal Quarter where current derelict buildings will be turned around to face the canal. Also the railway station is due for regeneration and a new road system will be built to access it.
What are the plans for the Marina? The plan is to have 50 residential boats in the Marina to generate an income and pleasure craft will run day trips around the Runcorn Ring. People who come to visit will have the opportunity to go into Runcorn itself and explore the Canal Quarter and therefore generate income for the town.
An artistic impression of the new marina and car park
We await developments with great interest in the coming years and look forward to future excursions for the Historical Society. Many thanks to Graham Wallace for taking the time to give us such an inspiring talk.
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