FINALISTS ANNOUNCED FOR THE WATERWAYS RENAISSANCE AWARDS 2005

1 Feb 2005 06:15 PM

The Waterways Trust and the British Urban Regeneration Association (BURA) are pleased to announce the finalists for The Waterways Renaissance Awards 2005. The Waterways Renaissance Awards aim to recognise and encourage best practice in sustainable waterway regeneration and development throughout the UK.

The winners will be announced at a prestigious Awards Ceremony & Dinner to take place at Madame Tussauds, London, on Wednesday 16 March. The event will be hosted by the television presenter and Vice President of The Waterways Trust John Craven OBE. The Rt Hon Alun Michael MP, the Waterways Minister, will be the guest speaker.

The finalists for The Waterways Renaissance Awards 2005 are:

Natural Environment - sponsored by English Nature Fradley Pool Nature Reserve, nr. Burton-upon-Trent, West Midlands River Rubbish Roundup, Tonbridge, Kent

Area-Based Regeneration - sponsored by Land and Water Group Islington Gates, Fleet Street, Birmingham Manchester Waterways Strategy The Oracle Shopping Centre, Reading

Community - sponsored by Defra London Narrow Boat Project, Braunston, Northamptonshire Trevor Basin Waterside Regeneration, Wrexham The Willow Trust, Gloucester

Design and Construction - sponsored by ISIS Waterside Regeneration Clarence Dock, Leeds Islington Gates, Fleet Street, Birmingham The Oracle Shopping Centre, Reading Sowerby Bridge Wharf Warehouse Refurbishment, Halifax

Education and Learning - sponsored by Regeneration and Renewal Canals Then & Now, Portland Basin Museum, Ashton-under-Lyne River Rubbish Roundup, Tonbridge, Kent

Historic Environment - sponsored by English Heritage Brockmoor Bridge, Stourbridge Canal, Dudley Dundas Aqueduct Refurbishment, Limpley Stoke, Bath Hayhurst Swing Bridge Refurbishment, Northwich, Cheshire Sowerby Bridge Wharf Warehouse Refurbishment, Halifax

Recreation and Tourism - sponsored by ARUP Cross-Scotland Holiday Cruises, between Edinburgh and Glasgow

Special Award for Excellence in Partnership - sponsored by Morrison

All finalists will be considered for this Award

John Craven OBE, Presenter of BBC1's Countryfile, said: "Up and down the country, our inland waterways are being brought back to life and flourishing in a way not seen for over two centuries. This is bringing huge benefits to people in terms of enjoyment, education and economic prosperity. The benefits to the natural environment are also considerable as the renewal of our canals and rivers provides new habitats for wildlife and corridors for their expansion.

In recognising best practice in waterway regeneration, The Waterways Renaissance Awards are encouraging others to emulate the excellence of the projects that have made it to the finals. I wish all the finalists of the 2005 Awards the very best of luck and look forward to meeting them on 16 March."

The nominations were judged by an independent assessment panel, comprising waterway, conservation and regeneration experts and chaired by Roger Hanbury, Chief Executive of The Waterways Trust.

Roger Hanbury said: "The Waterways Renaissance Awards are now well established and, judging by the standard of the entries this year, waterway regeneration is continuing apace. The judging panel has had a good field of candidates to consider and we have been impressed by the high quality of the entries.

Whoever the winners are on the night, these finalists can be justly proud of the contribution they have made to the renaissance of our waterways in improving the quality of life for people and local communities."

Tables are available for the Awards Ceremony & Dinner. Companies wishing to attend should apply to the address below for further details:

Tricia Greenwood
The Waterways Trust
Llanthony Warehouse
The Docks
Gloucester GL1 2EH
Tel: 01452 318220
Email: Tricia.Greenwood@thewa terwaystrust.org

Press enquiries: Caroline Audemars, on 01243 544127 or caroline@audemars.plus.com

Notes for editors:

This release is available online at www.thewaterwaystrust.org.

Photographs of the projects are available. Please contact Caroline Audemars 01243 544127

Information about the finalist projects is attached

The judging panel for The Waterways Renaissance Awards 2005:
Chairman: Roger Hanbury, Chief Executive, The Waterways Trust
Chris Bennett, AWG Construction Services Ltd
Peter Braithwaite, ARUP
Helen Carey, OBE, The Waterways Trust
Phil Chambers, CEM
Martin Eagland, Eagland Planning Associates
John Fletcher, The Inland Waterways Association
Dr David Fletcher, CBE, The Waterways Trust
Judith Grice, Groundwork
Rob Guest, Land & Water Group
Dr Jan Hellings, Jan Hellings & Associates
Prof John Hume, OBE, The Waterways Trust
Dr Anthony Streeten, English Heritage
Jon Ladd, BURA
Eileen McKeever, Environment Agency
Prof Peter Roberts, OBE, Liverpool University
Anne Powell, English Nature
Mark Ryder, ISIS Waterside Regeneration
Ian Valder, The Waterways Trust
Ben Walker, Regeneration & Renewal
Paul Whitley, European Urban Developments

The Waterways Trust is a national charity working in partnerships with others to promote greater public enjoyment of the UK's waterways. We raise funds for waterway regeneration, conservation, recreation, community, arts, education, and access and activity projects. Our three museums at Gloucester, Ellesmere Port and Stoke Bruerne house a nationally important Designated collection. Together with the Waterways Archive, they tell the story of the profound influence on the waterways on social, technological, economic and environmental development in the UK over three centuries.

BURA, the British Urban Regeneration Association was formed in 1990 to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas, experience and information for the emerging regeneration sector. BURA has become the leading independent organization for those involved in regeneration. Its unique strength is derived from its wide range of members who represent the private, public and community sectors, and this distinguishes it from all other sectoral interest groups. BURA identifies and promotes best practice in regeneration and advocates an integrated approach to the social, economic and environmental issues involved. The Association offers its members national and regional networks, dynamic and diverse events, seminars and conferences and specialist forums covering key issues of the regeneration agenda.

Finalist Summaries & Contact Details

BROCKMOOR BRIDGE, Stourbridge Canal, Dudley Brockmoor Bridge is located at the junction of the Stourbridge Extension/Fens Branch Canal in Kingswinford, Dudley. The bridge was a riveted wrought iron structure carrying the towpath over the junction. It was seated on red and blue 'stripe' pattern brick abutments and wing-walls. The bridge was in a poor condition and engineering surveys concluded that it was not feasible to repair the existing structure. Thus a replacement structure, sympathetic to the original historic structure, was designed. The uneven, concrete deck has been replaced by a timber deck and by raising the ramp profile the steps onto the deck have been eliminated. The project has worked to reclaim and incorporate original features such as the coping stones that were unearthed during the works and replicated the original GWR Fleur-de-lys using laser technology.

CONTACT DETAILS:
Harish Patel
BW Morrison, Unit 7, London Road, Canwell, Sutton Coldfield, West
Midlands B75 5SH
Tel: 0121 3231710
Email: harry.patel@bwmorrison.co.uk

CANALS THEN & NOW, Portland Basin, Aston-under Lyne Canals Then & Now works from the Portland Basin at the junction of the Ashton, Peak Forest and Huddersfield Narrow Canals. The local area has high levels of deprivation and suffers from a poor image and problems with vandalism and anti-social behaviour. The project invites senior primary school pupils to undertake a day of activities (at no cost to individuals or schools) to introduce children to the canal environment and furthermore show them that it is not only part of their heritage but also part of their future. The first session is held at the Portland Basin Museum and involves a tour and role-play. This is followed by a trip with the East Manchester Community Boat Project and finally a waterside walk which helps to develop appreciation of built and natural heritage, includes lessons on water safety and outlines the role of British Waterways. The project involved 300-plus children in summer 2004 and received tremendous feedback.

CONTACT DETAILS:
Jayne Kay
British Waterways, Trafalgar House, Temple Court, Birchwood, Warrington
WA3 6GD
Tel: 01925 847718
Email: jayne.kay@britishwaterways.co.uk

CLARENCE DOCK, Leeds Clarence Dock is a mixed-use scheme that is revitalising a 15-acre brownfield site immediately adjacent to The River Aire and close to Leeds City Centre. Design work on the project commenced back in 1997 and following remedial work, construction commenced in 2002. It is envisaged that the scheme will be fully completed in 2007. Three of the nine phases are complete with further phases substantially advanced. The development comprises office space, residential, hotel, leisure, exhibition and retail with associated car parking. The Royal Armouries Museum, which currently receives 300,000 visitors per annum, is located adjacent to the Dock and adjoining this will be a major new public space, Armouries Square.

CONTACT DETAILS:
Mike Harris
Carey Jones Architects, Rose Wharf, 78 East Street, LeedsLS9 8EE
Tel: 0113 2245007
Email: mike.harris@careyjones.com

CROSS-SCOTLAND HOLIDAY CRUISES, between Edinburgh and Bowling Cross-Scotland Holiday Cruises are commercial four-day breaks running in both directions between Edinburgh and Glasgow. Their provision delivers one of the core objectives of the Falkirk Wheel, namely the opportunity for utilisation of the full extent of the canal system across Scotland.

The cruises allow users to enjoy 'life in the slow lane' and provide a stunning opportunity to experience the culture, history and traditions of Scotland and its canals. They are creating 'new tourism' rather than capitalising on an existing base as each cruise is thoughtfully linked with local canal societies and museums in small towns along the route with assistance from British Waterways staff, a tour company and the police. Other waterway related organisations have also been significant beneficiaries.

The cruises also play an important role in the maintenance of the canal system through the utilisation of a Global Positioning System, which monitors the Union and Forth & Clyde canals. This information is passed, at no cost, to British Waterways who can then ensure the clearance of obstructions in a more effective and efficient manner.

CONTACT DETAILS:
Ronnie Rusack
The Edinburgh Canal Centre, 27 Baird Road, Ratho, Mid Lothian EH28 8RA
Tel: 0131 3331320
Email: info@bridgeinn.com

DUNDAS AQUEDUCT REFURBISHMENT, Limpley Stoke, Bath The Dundas Aqueduct is located on the Kennet and Avon Canal close to Bath where it carries the navigation over the River Avon and is one of the focal points of the canal for both waterway users and pedestrian visitors. The 200 year-old Grade I Listed Aqueduct, an outstanding example of waterway architecture, has now been fully restored to navigation and has enhanced the visual amenity of the area. The project involved reinstating missing stonework and repairing eroded features. The bold decision to replace previous brick repairs in stone responded to the particular circumstances of history and architecture at Dundas. The project adhered strongly to traditional materials and techniques and used locally quarried stone.

CONTACT DETAILS:
John Laverick
British Waterways, Harbour House, West Quay, The Docks, Gloucester GL1 2LG
Tel: 01452 318000
Email: john.laverick@britishwaterways.co.uk

FRADLEY POOL NATURE RESERVE, nr Burton-Upon-Trent, West Midlands The Fradley Pool Nature Reserve lies in the heart of the West Midlands near Burton-Upon-Trent, on the junction of the Trent and Mersey/ Coventry canals. The project, led by British Waterways, covers some 3.5 hectares around an unused reservoir, providing a high quality wetland reserve for both the local community and visitors to enjoy. The scheme was designed to include many partners including local schools, AWG, Lichfield District Council and BTCV (British Trust for Conservation Volunteers.)

The centrepiece for the project is a bird hide, the design and construction of which employed traditional crafts, contemporary design, artwork and prefabrication methods. A new boardwalk, to enable access for visitors, both able-bodied and disabled, encircles the reservoir. There has been a creative and careful selection of materials, for example, the 'timber' used on the boardwalk is actually recycled plastic that is rot-resistant, non-slip and recyclable.

CONTACT DETAILS:
Will Burnish
British Waterways, Peels Wharf, Lichfield Street, Fazeley, Tamworth B76 3 QZ
Tel: 01827 252 004
Email: will.burnish@britishwaterways.co.uk

HAYHURST SWING BRIDGE REFURBISHMENT, Northwich, Cheshire Hayhurst Swing Bridge is situated on the River Weaver within the town of Northwich in Cheshire. The bridge was constructed in 1898 from wrought iron throughout with the exception of the pontoons and the refurbished elements of the structure that are of mild steel. It is a Grade II Listed structure sited in a conservation area. The £3.5 million project comprises a full refurbishment of the structure including blast cleaning all metal, and repairing or replacing corroded elements, refurbishment of mechanical elements and replacement of electrical works, strengthening of the bridge and repainting. The timber control cabin has also been refurbished. To further reinforce this work the area around the bridge will be landscaped and access improved for both the public and waterway operatives. The bridge now acts as a centrepiece of the Northwich Vision Scheme, enhancing the area and attracting development.

CONTACT DETAILS:
Tim Brownrigg
British Waterways, Navigation Road, Northwich, Cheshire CW8 1BH
Tel: 01606 723800
Email: tim.brownrigg@britishwaterways.co.uk

ISLINGTON GATES, Fleet Street, Birmingham Located at Farmers Lock on the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal, Islington Gates is a mixed-use scheme comprising 141 apartments (the majority with waterside views) as well as offices, and restaurants with canal-side terraces. The development is cantilevered over, and stilted upon, the canal basin thus maximising the potential of the 8-metre wide brownfield site. The canal basin has been refurbished including a public canal-side plaza and a striking new bridge constructed encouraging pedestrian flow between the site and Brindley Place, Broad Street, The Arena and the Jewellery Centre. Midland & City Developments has brought the development forward with the support of Birmingham City Council, British Waterways, and the Royal Bank of Scotland. It is widely believed that this development has provided the confidence boost needed to kick-start further regeneration in the immediate area.

CONTACT DETAILS:
Steven Byrne/Jan Eldridge
Midland & City Developments Ltd, 1st Floor, 21 George Street, Birmingham B3 1QA
Tel: 0121 265 2030
Email: sgb@midcity.co.uk

LONDON NARROW BOAT PROJECT (LNBP), Braunston, Northamptonshire The LNBP's objectives are to provide inexpensive inland waterways holidays for children, young people and groups with special needs and to enable these groups to learn from the rich heritage and cultural opportunities that the waterways can provide. The project is not new in its endeavours but rather has been in operation for 23 years and has developed from a small South London project to one that is national and international in scale. Now based on the Grand Union Canal, at Braunston, Northamptonshire, the project benefits up to 1,000 young people each year. Participants include groups from deprived urban areas, youth groups, schools and groups working with the less able and disadvantaged.

CONTACT DETAILS:
David Otway
London Narrow Boat Project, 20 Tewkesbury Avenue, Forest Hill, London SE23 3DQ
Tel: 020 8699 7806
Email: dotwayuk@yahoo.co.uk

MANCHESTER WATERWAYS STRATEGY This is a comprehensive strategy for the waterways of Manchester, with implications for other Greater Manchester local authority areas and for adjacent areas. It represents the outcome of a long process of research, partnership building, strategic analysis and complex negotiation. Key elements of the Strategy include the incorporation of all of the waterways within the scheme - both navigable and unnavigable - an essential feature due to the need to consider questions of drainage
viability and pollution, as well as the desirability of assessing the overall needs and characteristics of a substantial segment of a sub-regional river basin. The Strategy considers the environmental, economic and social dimensions, meeting the requirements of sustainable development.

The Strategy was formally launched in March 2004 and a series of implementation actions have followed - most are within the defined area covered by the councils. In addition to the directly related action programmes, there is evidence that the Strategy has been influential in adjacent policy fields, including education and economic development.

CONTACT DETAILS:
Rachel Christie
Manchester City Council, Environmental Services, PO Box 463, Town Hall, Manchester M60 3NY
Tel: 0161 2344916
Email: r.christie@notes.manchester.gov.uk

THE ORACLE SHOPPING CENTRE, Reading The £200 million Oracle Shopping Centre was developed on a semi derelict and heavily contaminated brownfield site in the centre of Reading. The development straddling the River Kennet comprises a mix of retail, residential and leisure. Around 10% of total floorspace is allocated to restaurants, cafes, cinema and art. Much of this adorns the banks of the river, including a sunken performance area. The development has opened up a previously inaccessible stretch of the river and reconnected public bridleways on both banks. The scheme has incorporated three new bridges (two pedestrian and one vehicular) as well as the realignment of the river to facilitate better navigation. The Holybrook, to the northern boundary of the site, was also opened up to the public.

CONTACT DETAILS:
Derek Barker
Haskoll, 39 Harrington Gardens, London SW7 4JU
Tel: 020 7835 2753
Email: derek.barker@haskoll.co.uk

RIVER RUBBISH ROUNDUP, Tonbridge, Kent The Medway riverside environment suffers from fly-tipping and litter indicating a general lack of respect and understanding of the natural environment. Such issues are restraining the potential of the long distance footpath, The Medway Valley Walk, to offer cleaner and greener spaces for residents and river users to enjoy. In response the Medway Valley Countryside Partnership approached Kent Enviropower, a local waste management company who agreed to sponsor the three-year initiative coined 'River Rubbish RoundUp'. Now operating along the banks of the River Medway between Allington Lock, Maidstone, and Tonbridge in Kent, the project, through education and direct action, seeks to address the litter problem, increase pride and understanding of the natural environment and encourage recreational use. The project involves the distribution of publicity material, deploys litter wardens and organises events involving the local community to round up rubbish several times a year. The project is developing a 'Green Charter to form a network of river user groups and individuals to take pride in the river and tackle the wider environmental pressures along the river, enhancing the enjoyment of the river by all.

CONTACT DETAILS:
Caroline Drewett
Medway Valley Countryside Partnership, 3 Lock Cottages, Lock Lane Sandling, Maidstone, Kent ME 14 3AU
Tel: 01622 683695

SOWERBY BRIDGE WHARF WAREHOUSE REFURBISHMENT, Halifax This project involved the careful restoration and refurbishment of two Listed late 18th Century warehouses, at Sowerby Bridge on the Calder and Hebble Navigation, for mixed-use purposes. Its principal objective was to secure these buildings to play a role in the future regeneration and development of the wider wharf. The warehouses now feature office, retail and restaurant space as well as artisan workshops. These are all fully let, or in the final stages of securing agreement. It is intended that the mix of uses will generate sufficient income to enable longer-term sustainability. The project has retained the working boatyard and industrial uses of the site alongside newer leisure and retail uses. The project is keen to ensure that the site and buildings are accessible to the public in order that their historical significance can be understood and enjoyed.

CONTACT DETAILS:
David Wooley
British Waterways, Fearns Wharf, Neptune Street, Leeds LS9 8PB
Tel: 0113 2816843
Email: david.wooley@britishwaterways.co.uk

Trevor Basin Waterside Regeneration, Wrexham Trevor Basin is located on the Llangollen Canal close to the famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. The Basin can be described as a cul-de-sac off one of the most intensively used inland waterways in the country, part of which is a hire boat base and part had latterly been a dredging tip. The project aimed to promote and enhance Trevor Basin and the associated canal corridor for the local community and visitors alike with a variety of environmental schemes, community-led artwork and improvements to physical access to create an attractive and green waterside. The project also included a major public arts programme facilitated by an artist who lived on the site for the duration of the programme in order to become 'part of the community'. Through extensive community involvement the project has instilled a deep sense of 'ownership'.

Contact Details:
Nicola Lewis-Smith
British Waterways, Navigation Road, Northwich, Cheshire CW8 1BH
Tel: 01606 723818
Email: nicola.smith@britishwaterways.co.uk

The Willow Trust, Gloucester The Willow Trust enables disabled and seriously ill people of all ages to be introduced to and enjoy time on the water (to make this fully inclusive guests do not pay for these trips). The Trust's two 'broad beamed' boats are designed specifically for this purpose. They are fully wheelchair accessible and feature low windows for easy viewing as well as joystick steering if required. Based at the Saul Junction of the Gloucester & Sharpness canal, for seven months of the year the boats are out every weekday and along with the skipper there are three volunteer helpers on each boat. The Trust is run by three paid professional staff and is supported by more than a hundred volunteers and many local businesses and organisations.

Contact Details:
Mrs E.A. Rowland
The Willow Trust, 2 Whiteway Court, Whiteway Farmhouse, Cirencester GL7 7BA
Tel: 01285 651661
Email: Liz@wtrust.freeserve.co.uk