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This period continues the implementation phase of the project, with all actions scheduled for this period now under way. Issues of common interest continue to be explored of through the thematic seminar programme. The second of these was held in Roeselare, Belgium in September 2004. The Roeselare seminar concerned Theme 2 of the project – Strategic development of the waterway network. A series of workshop sessions explored common issues under this topic.
Key topics covered included:
1. Missing links & the feasibility of restoring or enlarging old waterways and creating new links;
2. Capacity constraints of the network;
3. Economic impact of new links;
4. Sources of funding for upgrading waterways;
5. The relationship between waterway restoration / creation and regeneration along the banks, including enhancement of the cultural heritage;
6. Navigation policy & control on new links;
7. New business development, based on the opportunities created by new links;
8. Alternatives to building fixed infrastructure for new links (e.g. road trailer connections).
Progress with other actions is summarised as follows:
Theme 1
1.1 North Sea tourism links study – Research by the appointed consultants is continuing. An interim presentation and discussions with Canal Link partners will take place at the next Thematic Seminar in February 2005. The final report is scheduled for May 2005.
1.2 Web site links – The prototype Canal Link website has been completed.
1.3 Promotion of North Sea links – Initial actions are under way. A boater’s guide to the Lowland Canals (Scotland) has been produced, giving visiting boatsmen information about what to see and do while traversing the canals modifications to the Telemark Canal website. Further actions will be identified following completion of the study into North Sea links for implementation later in 2005 (Action 1.1).
1.4 Permanent structure for the on-going development of the network – an initial discussion of options took place at the thematic seminar in Roeselare (September 2004). Follow-up discussions and work will be undertaken through the following seminars / workshops, with the aim of developing recommendations in the first half of 2006.
1.5 Travel packages – In Telemark, a canoe trail has been developed and a road trailer link established to transport boats between the northern end of the canal & Hardangerfjord. Work has been completed to upgrade the wharf and service facilities at Kviteseid to provide a meeting place in the centre of the town. A bicycle rental facility has been established at Dalen at the northen end of the canal.
1.6 Visitor welcome at harbour entrances- in Telemark- Planning has now been completed for works at the four entrance harbours to the canal, aimed at establishing common standards, management and promotion. A conceptual plan for developing a maritime adventure park adjacent to one of the harbours is being prepared.
Caledonian Canal, Scotland- Options are being evaluated for improvements to the visitor welcome at the Inverness entrance to the canal.
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Theme 2
2.1 Classification of recreation & tourism waterways – an initial map of the network, using the proposed ECE classification system has being developed and is currently being reviewed. The map has been produced in a number of different formats and will form the basis for the work being undertaken through Action 2.1.
2.2 Identification of missing links / bottlenecks – initial meetings have been held between British Waterways and SRN to develop a draft brief for the project, which will be undertaken in Spring / Summer 2005, using the map developed under Action 2.1 as a basis for consultations.
2.3 Investigation into waste water from boats – an initial draft brief has been developed through meetings between British Waterways and SRN. This was discussed at the thematic seminar in Roeselare in September 2004 and the approach will be agreed at the next seminar in Bradford (February 2005). It is planned that the work will be carried out in parallel with Action 2.2.
2.4 Bradford Canal restoration – the initial scoping study was completed in 2004. The results of the study suggest that construction of the canal is feasible. As a result, agreement has been reached to go ahead with a full feasibility study to determine detailed design of the route, investigate operation issues (such as water management & quality), commercial opportunities & funding and project management options. The final report is scheduled for October 2005.
2.5 Varma Route: Vanern-Borgvikssjon-Varmeln-Glafsfjorden link, Varmland. A trailer link was set up in 2003 to complete the link between these river and lake systems linked to Lake Vanern. A website for the link (www.varmaleden.se) has been established and a first Newsletter produced to provide information on opportunities along theroute and how developments are advancing. Long-distance skiing and ice-fishing are being promoted to extend the season. Meetings have been held with the municipalities of Arvika and Saffle to create a common tourism package based on the link. Discussions have taken place with boating and fishing interests regarding a development plan for the Saffle waterway section of the route, with plans to develop boat ramps, ecological toilets, wind shelters and landing stages.
2.6 Inner Lane, Lake Vanern – The Inner Lane is a safe route for recreational craft long the northern shore of Lake Vanern between Karlstad and Kristinehamn. Through Canal Link, obstructions on the route have been removed and the channel has been buoyed and marked. The official opening will take place on 18th June 2005.
2.7 Development of the Achterburggracht, Langedijk–
- Construction of the Lepelaar Bridge has commenced and is due to be completed in April 2005. This removes the first blockage to navigation on the Achterburggracht and will develop procedures to inform future works to improve navigability;
- Phase 1 of a development study for navigation in Langedijk is being completed, consisting of an inventory of existing material;
- Following the location study for the Civilion water theme park, the Civilion Foundation and the Museum Broekerveiling Foundation are preparing a study of the financial & economic viability of the park. This is scheduled for completion early in 2005;
- A leaflet & brochure have been produced to promote the project and this documentation, together with the earlier navigation study and links to other Canal Link partner websites have been placed on the Langedijk website;
- A plan of action has been developed for the promotional & educational project “Almighty Water” and brief for a marketing study is in preparation.
2.8 Roeselare Canal – Lock re-instatement – In association with the development of recreation on the Roeselare – Leie Canal, the historic 3-lock staircase at Ooigem is to be brought back into use for pleasure craft. These locks have been by-passed by a large single lock, mainly for freight traffic. Works to restore the locks will be undertaken during 2005.
2.9 Bremen / Teufelsmoor links– In the Bremen area, work is proceeding into the development of harbours and moorings. Initial groundworks (including bomb inspection works) have been undertaken at the Findorff harbour, close to the city centre. Moorings are also being developed at Burgerpark, using the same cost-efficient design as was earlier undertaken at the Universum site. Other activities within Bremen are:
• Use of an IT-based approach to public participation in planning processes, using a web-based approach developed through the Interreg IIIC River Links project. (This approach was discussed with other Canal Link partners at the Roeselare seminar.) The consultation test phase ran for 6 weeks during November / December 2004 to obtain public feedback regarding the activities at Findorff harbour and the surrounding area.
• Investigations have begun into the design of a new peat boat concept, based on traditional designs, but powered by an ecologically-friendly electric motor. A 1-week event was held at the “Haven Hoovt” shopping centre in Bremen-Vegesack to get feedback on options.
In the Teufelsmoor region, work has almost been completed on the peat harbour at Osterholz-Scharmbeck (Anleger-Station Hafen) and on moorings at Tietjens Hutte & Melchers Hutte. In Ritterhude groundwork has started for moorings at Niderender Str. & Veranstaltungszentrum. In addition:
• Regional history workshops have been held to assemble information and material regarding the waterways;
• Promotional work has been undertaken, involving preparation of (1) a new orientation map for the community of Worpswede; (2) a regional image brochure (“Erlebnis Teufelsmoor”); (3) flyers to promote interregional events in July & September 2005 (3rd Hammenacht & Wassermusik auf der Hamme respectively).
For the Bremen – Teufelsmoor links, a concept for information, signage & guidance has been completed and information boards for the Grasberg and Worpswede communities are in preparation. Information at other communities will be developed in 2005. Finally preparation work for a waterways-related tourist map has started, linked to the map of waterways in the North Sea Region being prepared under Action 2.1.
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Theme 3
3.1 Model techniques for assessing economic & social impacts – Model approaches were presented & discussed at the Bremen Seminar in March 2004. A paper on methodology is in preparation.
3.2 Business networking. Various partners are delivering this action:
• In Varmland, INVA (“Invest in Varmland”) developed brochures in Norwegian & Dutch to market development opportunities and has secured considerable interest from tourism entrepreneurs and companies in the Netherlands in particular. Contacts have been made with potential investors and visits have been arranged to look at possible opportunities. Also Vanerland Tourist Board has produced a strategy to develop and promote the region, which will be implemented in 2005. Entrepreneurs in the region have been informed of Canal Link through a workshop, attended by 60 people, and support will be given with business plans, study trips and promotion. A Business Network will also be set up and 22 entrepreneurs have applied to join this programme.
• Telemark has made the SME365 tool available to the partnership and has established a network of small businesses to draw more traffic to the northern park of the canal.
• British Waterways (Yorkshire) held a workshop in Leeds with Asian businessmen in West Yorkshire in September 2004, to promote opportunities for the Asian business community along the canals in the Leeds / Bradford area. This will be followed up with further contacts in 2005.
3.3 Activity base, Falkirk, Scotland – the base & facilities block was completed in 2003. Evaluation of the impact of the base will be undertaken in 2006.
3.3 Information provision & business linkage –
• Work is progressing on the Leeds & Liverpool canal to develop components of the scheme to improve access for recreational visitors to the canal to local businesses. Branding for waymarking and information provision is being established and access improvements and information sites are being identified.
• In Varmland, business linkages are being promoted in association with the Varma route and the Inner lane development (Actions 2.5 & 2.6).
3.4 Integrated landscape planning, Roeselare Canal – A study is under way into providing better linkages and integration between the canal and its surroundings. The canal is an important freight waterway, but recreation both on the canal and along its banks is becoming increasingly important. A need for more boating facilities has been identified (especially to provide access to visitor attractions at Roeselare, Izegem & Ingelmunster). Also areas along the banks have been identified for recreation (especially cycling), nature conservation and industrial development.
3.5 Re-use of former industrial areas – In Telemark, studies & meetings have taken place to investigate improvements / clean-ups to be undertaken.
3.6 Infrastructure, financial & operational cost-effective solutions – In Bremen, investigations into multi-functional moorings have been undertaken & presented to partners at the Bremen Seminar in March 2004. Implementation of suitable mooring designs is being undertaken through Action 2.9.
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