A devastating collapse almost 90 years ago left a section of the Manchester, Bolton, and Bury canal in ruins, but now, an ambitious restoration project is bringing this historic waterway back to life.
In July 1936, a catastrophic breach occurred near Little Lever, causing millions of gallons of water to rush into the River Irwell. This event, which took place near the Nob End locks, was a significant blow to the canal's infrastructure and led to its eventual decline.
Despite the magnitude of the disaster, no one was injured, but the canal remained unrepaired until now. Enter developer Watson, who has taken on the challenging task of restoring a 700-meter stretch of this historic canal as part of a larger development project.
Watson describes the endeavor as "technically challenging" but also "incredibly rewarding." The project has gained support from various groups, including the Inland Waterways Association and volunteers from the Manchester Bolton & Bury Canal Society.
The Canal Society has been instrumental in pushing for the canal's revival, with a vision to restore it to full navigability and create "blue-green spaces" that promote well-being and environmental improvement.
Their efforts have already borne fruit, with the full restoration of the first length of the canal at Middlewood in Salford in 2008, including the construction of a new deep lock for access to the River Irwell. They've also built the innovative Meccano Bridge near the breach site and uncovered the flight of six locks at Nob End.
Mike Watson, a director at Watson, emphasizes the importance of this restoration project: "It's not just about celebrating the area's rich heritage; it's about healing the divide caused by the original breach. We're creating new towpaths, pedestrian routes, and a beautiful stretch of waterway."
And the benefits don't stop there. The project is progressing alongside the development of new affordable housing, upgraded infrastructure, and local job opportunities.
Looking ahead, the focus is on completing the repair works to the canal, with hopes of having all repairs done by late summer 2026 and the canal back in water by early 2027. A planned waterside café, currently in the design phase, is set to open in spring 2027, aligning with the completion of the canal works and the opening of a new woodland walk and canoe school.
But here's where it gets controversial: some argue that restoring this canal is a waste of resources, given the numerous other infrastructure projects that could benefit from such an investment. What do you think? Is this a worthy endeavor, or should the focus be elsewhere? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
