The Lapal Canal Project

Dr Peter Bestchairman@lapal.org

www.lapal.org

Birmingham’s first bypass ! – 1798Dudley No 2 Canal

Dudley No1, Windmill End < - - > Worcester & Birmingham, Selly Oak = 11 milesLapal Canal = 5.5 miles

The Lapal Canal = derelict ‘half’ = 5.5 miles

Hawne Basin, Halesowen < - - 5.5 miles - - > W&B, Selly Oak

Lapal Landmarks : obstacles to level-water

The Leasowes Valley• 60ft high embankment – 500 yards• Most steep sided in UK

The Lapal Tunnel• 3795 yards = 2.2 miles• 4th longest in UK• 120 years of operation ceased in 1917

A collapse in the Sapperton Tunnel on the Cotswold Canal.Photo purposely distorted to suggest the claustrophobic dimensions of the Lapal Tunnel.

Many observers suggest it would have been crossed with an aqueduct if constructed only a few years later.

PJB10/06

Restoration Strategy : to make ends meet

• Halesowen or Western Approach Canal1.4 miles or 2195 yards

• The Lapal Tunnel2.2 miles or 3795 yards

• The Selly Oak Extension or Eastern Approach Canal1.8 miles or 3146 yards

Restoration Sequences : the parallel ‘thirds’

Lapal – West :

• The Leasowes

• Abbeyfields

• St Mary’s Abbey

Lapal – East :

• Selly Oak Park

• Lodge Hill

• Weoley Castle

Parkland Backland Heritage Tunnel Heritage Backland Parkland

Lapal Restoration Treasures

Hawne Basin - Halesowen Gorsty Hill Tunnel – Lapal’s Little “sister”

Breeches Pool – Leasowes Valley

Selly Oak Park

oldest remaining accommodation bridge

in BCN

Restoration Benefits : The Lapal Greenway

• Recreational amenity

for walkers, joggers, pedal-cyclists and anglers

including rehabilitation excursions from QEH complex

• Corridor and haven

for rural wildlife in urban settings

• Rejuvenation of two heritage sites:

Halesowen St Mary’s Abbey and Weoley Castle Ruins

• Additional boating opportunities for canal tourism

i.e. further cruising rings around the Midlands (short-breaks)

The Leasowes Embankment(partial) restoration; Spring 1997

Leasowes : Autumn 2006

Manor Lane : now the A456

Black Horse pub

Route across A456 needs careful consideration;

e.g. an Aqueduct?

1962

Weoley CastleBirmingham’s most neglected ancient site ?

Weoley Castle : a boat moat ?

…. compatible water-levels could provide isolation of Ruins against vandalism while a modern swing-bridge then provides legitimate access

the castle moat at Kirby Muxloe, Leicestershire

Local Benefits : Roses for Castles

• Rejuvenation out of dereliction• Reduction in crime• Increase in property value• Improved social amenities• “security moat” for offside houses• Improved access for nearside homes• Pride in a local project

On the web at : www.lapal.org

Membership : The Lapal Lobby

Individuals (annual renew) = 123

Individuals (10-year renew) = 40

Family (annual renew) = 56

Family (10-year renew) = 4

Complimentary (VIP, MP, etc) = 43

Total = 223

Data: Raj Kulkarni, LCT Membership Secretary, Autumn 2006

LCT Magazine : “ Tunnel Vision ”

Walk the Line : keeping members informed

Selly Oak Park

The Leasowes Narrows

VIPs

Dr Lynne Jones MP (Selly Oak)

Working Parties : our pledge of vigilance

• Maintenance of corridor as a viable restoration• Involvement of local and national volunteers• Visible statement of intention and goodwill• Opportunities for informal communications

Waterways Recovery Group (BITM) scrub-bash March ‘05 Birmingham University Student Volunteers, February ‘05

Selly Oak : some years ago !

The Birmingham Battery & Metal Company : Circa 1950

Canal Basin

Harborne Lane Bridge

Sainsbury’s in Selly Oak

W&B Junction

Across the Battery Site

toxic contamination ?

Harborne Wharf

The Phase-1 Winding Hole

Potential to be a Winding and limit of navigation?

Harborne Wharf – looking east towards W&B

One day, maybe ?

Lapal Tunnel : a future for the past ?

• £10M + to restore !• Bi-directional working• Escape walkway• Statutory Services• Waterbus services

• ? “Rotunda Unda” –

UK Canal Museum ?

Lapal Tunnel’s former ‘central’ air ventnear rear of Visitor Centre

Feasibility Study : Atkins

Due for delivery : Christmas 2006; public release : Easter 2007

Questions ?

www . lapal . org

“ Is this really a viable project? “