The Lapal Canal Project Dr Peter Best [email protected] .
-
Upload
brittany-brown -
Category
Documents
-
view
212 -
download
0
Transcript of The Lapal Canal Project Dr Peter Best [email protected] .
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? “