CHESTERFIELD Canal Trust has appointed O’Brien Contractors Ltd to build and install a new bridge over the soon-to-be-restored route of the canal at Staveley, Derbyshire. This will be the first stage of a £6 million restoration project, the bulk of the money coming from the Staveley Town Deal, a government levelling-up project.
Describing it as a big milestone for the trust, development manager George Rogers said: “Installing this bridge will open up the route for future restoration in multiple ways and I am looking forward to seeing it progress over the summer.”
The new 38-metre-long bridge for pedestrians and cyclists will take the Trans Pennine Trail across the canal to meet the Arkwright Trail. Later the canal itself will be restored, including a new bridge for farm vehicles and a new lock. There will also be a freshly landscaped relaxation area including picnic benches and information boards. This will be carefully planted to encourage wildlife. O’Brien’s will start on site in April and major ground works will begin in May.
Director Tony Mitchell said: “The restoration of this historic route will benefit the community for many years to come. We look forward to working with the trust and its team over the course of this exciting project.”
The bridge will be installed in the summer and there will be a formal opening ceremony in September.
Staveley Town Deal Board chairman Ivan Fomin commented: “The expansion of the canal is an important project for the town deal – it will help make the town a more attractive place to visit and provide residents with new outdoor facilities to explore. I look forward to seeing the bridge completed as this will unlock the next stages of this project.”
The trust currently has an appeal to raise £50,000 to go towards the cost of the gates for the new Keith Ayling Lock, named after a former trust chairman. To learn more and to follow the progress of the bridgeworks as they happen visit: www.chesterfield-canal-trust.org.uk
