British WaterwaysManaging canals & rivers in the UK
Glenn Millar, Economic Development Manager, British Waterways
What is British Waterways?
• Public corporation – Government-owned not-for-profit organisation
• Set up under Transport Act 1962
• Functions:-– Maintain & conserve inland waterways & their
heritage
– Encourage recreation, tourism & educational use of the waterways
– Encourage waterside regeneration
– Facilitate freight transport
3,200 km of canals & rivers in England, Scotland & Wales
Network originally developed for freight transport in late 18th / early 19th Centuries
Now boating is mainly for tourism & recreation – there is still some freight transport on the larger waterways in North-east England
On canals, BW owns & manages the towpaths
- 346 million visits to waterways (2009)
- 34,000 powered boats (2009)
Income 2008/2009
£millions %
Government grant £74m 33%
Income from third parties – Regions, local government, Lottery etc.
£36m 16%
Property & wayleaves £46m 21%
Utilities & water sales £21m 9%
Boat licences £15m 7%
Boat moorings & marinas £13m 6%
Other £18m 8%
Total £223M
Priorities for Government• Maintain waterways in a satisfactory order
• Move towards greater self-sufficiency• Deliver public benefits
Challenges• Pressures on Government funding• Pressures on income – resulting from recession• Shortfall of £30m p.a. to maintain waterways in
good condition• Need to convince Government & other
stakeholders of benefits of waterways• Investigating new status for BW – Third Sector?
Waterside regeneration (1)
• Revitalising urban & rural areas
• Green infrastructure
• Enhancing the image of towns & cities
Waterside regeneration (2)
• Restoration of disused waterways
• Creation of new waterway links
Business development
• Tourism & recreation-based businesses
• New opportunities – renewables, telecoms
The natural environment
• Aquatic & associated land-based habitats and biodiversity
Climate change
• Renewable energy
• Water for heating & cooling of buildings
• Green corridors for “city cooling”
• Ecological corridors facilitating species migration
• Land drainage & flood management
• Sustainable transport
Cultural heritage
• Buildings & structures
• Boats
• Traditions
Sustainable transport
• Freight – reintroduction on small waterways
• Passengers
• Walking & cycling along waterside paths
Health & well-being
• Physical activity & sport
• Mental well-being
Education & learning
• Learning outside the classroom for schools
• Training & skills development
Social cohesion
• Volunteering
• Opportunities for disadvantaged groups
• Initiatives to deal with anti-social behaviour
Framework for the sustainable development of inland waterways around the North Sea
Themes:
• Stimulating business development
• Regeneration & restoration
• Sustainable management of the resource
• Innovation & new technology