Urbanism
Environment
Design

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The Bridgewater Canal, which opened in 1761 as Britain's first commercial canal, is to undergo the restoration as outlined in an URBED masterplan.

Salford City Council has been awarded £3.6m from the Heritage Lottery Fund towards the project cost. This will cover the first three phases of work as set out in our report.

The project will stretch along five miles of canal between Boothstown and Barton. The council has also secured funding from a mixture of private and public sources. Engineer James Brindley designed the aqueduct to carry the canal over the River Irwell. Barton Aqueduct will be restored and the historic structure will be lit for the first time.

Worsley Delph, where coal-carrying barges emerged from the Duke of Bridgewater's mines, will be re-opened to boats and visitors. There will be new paths, an events programme and a new playground in Dukes Drive Country Park.

Physical works will start early next year and are expected to be finished in summer 2016.