Swansea waterways revival takes step forward with new feasibility study

The New Destinations report, published by the Swansea Community Boat Trust, outlines plans for a 35-mile blue/green corridor stretching from Clydach to Port Tennant, linking the River Tawe with the Swansea Canal, Tennant Canal, and Neath Canal.

The study was supported by the university’s Centre for Heritage Research and Training (CHART) and funded by MEDR – the Commission for Tertiary Education and Research. It explores how regenerating lost canals and navigable stretches of the Tawe could unlock benefits ranging from tourism and active travel to climate resilience and flood mitigation.

Dr Alex Langlands, Associate Professor and CHART co-director, said:

“This report proposes a bold and ambitious plan mapped against the need for climate adaptation, green-space provision and economic regeneration. More than anything, it represents a forward-looking ambition that has at its heart the wellbeing of future generations.”

The Trust’s vision includes new waterways connecting the Prince of Wales Dock to the Tennant Canal, shaded canal paths lined with trees, and opportunities for walking, cycling, kayaking and paddleboarding. The project could be delivered in phases as funding becomes available.

John Davies, a long-standing waterways volunteer and driving force behind the initiative, said:

“If it receives the backing of Swansea Council, New Destinations will create a massive new visitor destination based firmly on our city’s proud industrial heritage.”

The report also highlights the potential to enhance the Wales Coastal Path and improve access to Swansea Waterfront, while reconnecting communities across the valley.

#CentreForHeritageResearchAndTraining #DrAlexLanglands #PortTennant #PrinceOfWalesDock #RiverTawe #Swansea #SwanseaCommunityBoatTrust #SwanseaUniversity #TennantCanal

Plans for Neath and Tennant Canals to go on display

The presentations, on 30 April at The Towers Hotel & Spa, will lay out the results of a recent feasibility study into the future of the historic Neath and Tennant Canals.

Neath Port Talbot Council secured £113,850 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Heritage Places initiative for the development phase of the Canal Connections project.

The council says the project aims to regenerate the canal system into an accessible community asset for active recreation and travel.

Another of the project’s goals is to establish the canal system as a must-visit heritage destination which connects local communities. 

The council says that while it does not own the canals, it is looking to foster the working partnerships needed to facilitate the regeneration of these key heritage and environmental assets for the benefit of our communities, our wildlife ecosystems and the area’s economy.

Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing, Cllr Cen Phillips, said: “The canals enable residents to reconnect with nature and the communities along its length, linking the town centre to valley areas.

“There is wide recognition of the importance of these spaces for people’s health and wellbeing as these waterways can be improved to provide clean, green spaces for local leisure activity and to provide a place where rich biodiversity thrives.”

Following a recent community consultation exercise, civil engineering consultants AtkinsRéalis developed a comprehensive feasibility study examining future sustainable uses for the Neath and Tennant Canals, recognising their significance and unique heritage and what they can offer to the people and communities lining their routes.

The study forms part of the Canal Connections project.

The council says that communities and residents can see at first hand the study’s options and recommendations – set out in the Options Appraisal Report – during one of two presentation sessions running at 2.00pm and 4.00pm at the Towers Hotel and Spa.

Neath Port talbot Council says everyone is welcome to attend the presentations and play their part in collectively taking forward a phased sustainable future for these cherished waterways.

(Lead image: Neath Port Talbot Council)

#NeathCanal #NeathPortTalbot #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #TennantCanal