Bluetech is thrilled by its latest appointment as principal consultant by the Chesterfield Canal Trust on the restoration of the Chesterfield Canal between Eckington Road and Hague Lane, including lifting level of existing earth embankment, installation of aqueduct over river Doe Lea, construction of two vehicular access bridges, two pedestrian/cycle bridges, a new locks and associated infrastructure.
The re-building of the last section of the canal in Chesterfield borough represents an important step in the restoration of the Chesterfield Canal to a fully navigable standard throughout its 46-mile length, ultimately bringing added prosperity and health benefits to the area. The design will ensure that the original character of this lost section of canal will be re-created, adding a high-quality landscape, leisure and environmental asset to the Staveley area. The design will also ensure that the canal can be enjoyed by all sectors of the community via easy access to and along the towpath.
The Chesterfield Canal Trust has set a goal of completing restoration of the canal by 2027. To achieve this ambitious programme, rapid progress needs to be made on this scheme, to link the restored canal at Staveley with the semi-restored canal at Renishaw.
The amended design will now include two locks at Eckington Road Lock (No. 5b) and at Railway Lock (No. 5c, previously numbered No. 5b)
The lock construction for both locks will be very similar in appearance to that of the recently completed Staveley Town Lock (No. 5a), located approximately 450m to the west at Staveley Town Basin. A reinforced concrete foundation and walls will be faced in red-brick and topped off with a stone coping. Lock gates will be constructed in timber, with mitred double gates at the bottom end and a single gate at the top end. Both locks will have a standard 22m x 2.3m chamber to allow a single full-length narrowboat to change between pound water levels.
Bluetech is currently advising on the procurement of suitable specialist subcontractors to complete the necessary surveys and SI, lead designer and principal contractor.
