River Soar and Grand Union Canal
Our waterways are a fantastic resource - rich in wildlife,
history and leisure opportunities. With our partners in the
River Soar & Grand Union Canal Strategy Group we are delighted
to set out our plans to realise the full economic potential our
waterways, for the social and environmental benefit of the people
of Leicestershire. Roger Wilson, Chairman of
Leicestershire County Council
With our partners, we want to make the 23 miles of waterway from
Loughborough Meadows to Kilby Bridge, south of Leicester a
Green Waterway, a Visible Waterway and an Accessible Waterway.
Leading the River Soar & Grand Union Canal Strategy Group,
we have helped put together a strategy for the waterway which includes:
creating new visitor centres; waterside restaurants; trip boats;
marinas; upgrading towpaths for walkers and cyclists; and improving
signage and access points.
The new strategy sets out an action plan around four key
elements:
- Strong partnership to deliver the full
economic potential of the waterways
- Development of hubs for visitor improvements
at: Kilby Bridge, South Wigston and Blaby; Aylestone; Leicester
City Centre; The Belgrave and Abbey Meadows; Watermead Country
Park; Barrow-upon-Soar; and Loughborough
- Improving access along the waterways with
upgraded towpaths and access points, plus new signage
- Promotion of the waterways to visitors and
investors
Our Partners
British Waterways, Blaby District Council, Charnwood
Borough Council, the Environment Agency, the Inland Waterways
Association, Leicester City Council, Leicestershire County Council,
Leicester Shire Promotions, Leicester Regeneration Company, Oadby
& Wigston Borough Council and Prospect Leicestershire
Discover more about Leicestershire's
waterways.