New publication promotes high quality waterside development
14 October 2009
Over the last decade England's former industrial canals and rivers have enjoyed a remarkable turn around in their fortunes, with waterways being restored and disused waterfronts being transformed into attractive new communities.
In recognition of the enormous potential of historic canals and rivers to stimulate regeneration, British Waterways and English Heritage yesterday (13 October 2009) launched ‘England’s Historic Waterways: A working heritage – promoting high quality waterside development’.
The publication highlights the importance of good contextual waterside design, showcases existing good practice and illustrates how successful development grasps the historic character and uniqueness of the waterways. The richly illustrated document has been produced to support and inform architects, planners, developers, conservationists and regeneration agencies who can download it from the British Waterways website.
Intended as an antidote to the spread of mediocrity and neglect, the publication was launched next to the Regent’s Canal in London where a panel from the regeneration sector chaired by Paul Finch, programme director of the World Architecture Festival, debated the importance and benefits of fully understanding the historic significance of inland waterways. Panellists were architect, Rab Bennetts; historian and broadcaster, Tristram Hunt; director of Development Securities PLC, Julian Barwick; and landscape practitioner, Simon Munro.
Robin Evans, chief executive of British Waterways, comments: “Our waterways make a significant contribution to the visitor economy and a key part of their success has been their ability to adapt and embrace a 21st century mix of leisure, business and cultural uses. Savvy architects, developers and local authorities have already recognised the benefits of creative regeneration of the historic waterfront. This publication is intended to build on that recognition by beginning a long-term discussion on how all interested parties can realise the full potential of historic waterside locations.”
Simon Thurley, chief executive of English Heritage, comments: “This publication will give a better understanding of the special nature of our historic waterside environments, including what works well and why. We hope that this will enable developers, architects, local authorities and other stakeholders to be well placed to work together to help create stimulating waterfront buildings, distinctive watersides and vibrant waterspaces.“
To download a copy of ‘England’s Historic Waterways’, visit the heritage page.
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For further media information, please contact:
Jonathan Ludford: 020 7985 7275 / jonathan.ludford@britishwaterways.co.uk
Nayna Wood: 020 7985 7314 / nayna.wood@britishwaterways.co.uk
Notes to editors:
Hard copies of England’s Historic Waterways are available from the British Waterways press office.
British Waterways is the public corporation that cares for a 2,200-mile network of canals and navigable rivers across the country and works with a broad range of public, private and voluntary sector partners to improve the social, economic and environmental benefits of the inland waterways. For more information visit www.britishwaterways.co.uk
English Heritage is the government’s lead body for the historic environment in England and is responsible for protecting the best of the country’s unique legacy of historic buildings, landscapes and archaeological sites for the benefit of this and future generations. For full details please visit www.english-heritage.org.uk or contact English Heritage customer services on 0870 333 1181.