Marina, boat lift and restored locks planned for Chesterfield Canal in Rotherham
Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council officers have approved a £10,000 contribution towards a masterplan.
Plans for a restored Chesterfield Canal through Rotherham could see a marina, new walking and cycling routes and miles of historic waterway brought back into use.
Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council officers have approved a £10,000 contribution towards a masterplan for the final 14km of the canal between Staveley and Kiveton Park, with the long-term ambition of reconnecting the historic waterway.
Within Rotherham, proposals include creating a marina at Kiveton Waters, which is currently used as fishing ponds, alongside new towpaths linking communities with the Trans Pennine Trail. The restored canal would also pass through Rother Valley Country Park, where plans include quiet moorings and a flood-control lock integrated into the existing flood defence system.
The plans also envisage restoring the historic Norwood Flight of 13 locks, described as one of the country’s most significant surviving examples of early canal engineering, while rebuilding stretches of canal around the collapsed Norwood Tunnel. Engineers are considering either a new tunnel beneath the M1 or a series of locks using an existing underpass.
A visitor centre, cafe and landmark boat lift have also been suggested as a possible alternative to part of the lock flight, although these would require further funding and approvals.
The council’s £10,000 contribution would help fund production of the masterplan, with the wider restoration expected to be delivered over a number of years if further funding is secured.