9th November 2012
The following Press Release is from North East Derbyshire District Council
Missing canal link could be restored as part of Killamarsh housing scheme
A ‘missing link’ of the Chesterfield Canal could be restored as part of a housing regeneration scheme in Killamarsh.
North East Derbyshire District Council has been working alongside the Chesterfield Canal Partnership to look at the possibility of restoring the canal route as part of a scheme to build new council homes in the town.
The authority has now agreed to incorporate some land previously outside of the regeneration scheme boundary, to allow for the possibility that a new section of the canal could pass through the new housing development.
Local people – including the tenants of the ‘Tarran’ bungalows which are being rebuilt in the regeneration scheme – have been asked for their views, and support the proposals.
Cllr Betty Hill, Member with responsibility for Housing, said: “Restoring the missing link in Killamarsh would be a great boost for the town and add a real feature to the community.
“It’s still early days but this is a brilliant opportunity and we are working closely with the Chesterfield Canal Partnership, as well as local tenants and residents, to develop these plans.”
The original route of the canal through Killamarsh has gradually become filled in – and in many places built over – since the collapse of the Norwood Tunnel in 1907, which cut off the western end of the canal.
In 2004 the Chesterfield Canal Partnership commissioned Jacobs-Babtie to undertake a detailed study of possible routes to replace the built upon section. Routes through and around the village were considered. In addition to the original canal line, the survey identified five possible routes – one of which passes through the redevelopment site.
It is regarded as the ‘missing link’ as a route must pass through, or around, the town to rejoin the east and west sections of the canal.
Rod Auton, of Chesterfield Canal Trust, added: “We are always being asked by Killamarsh residents when they will see the canal being restored. We are therefore delighted that this progress is being made to create a new canal route through the town.”
NOTES
North East Derbyshire District Council, together with Rykneld Homes, is building the new homes as part of its long-term housing regeneration plans.
The £10.5m scheme, which also includes a site in Eckington, involves demolition of 94 post war ‘Tarran’ concrete panel construction bungalows across the two sites, to be replaced with around 150 properties for rent.
For more information about the long term housing regeneration programme, click here.
The route to which this Press Release is referring, is that marked in orange. The blue route is still the official route until all parties agree the alternative.
Some of the bungalows.