Waterways > Bedford to Milton Keynes Waterway Park
Bedford to Milton Keynes Waterway Park
This proposed new waterway will run from the Grand Union Canal at Campbell Park, in Milton Keynes, cross the M1 between junctions 13 and 14, run near Brogborough Hill, through Marston Vale and connect with the river Great Ouse at Kempston, a suburb of Bedford.
Map of the proposed Bedford to Milton Keynes Waterway and surrounding area
Facts & Stats
1810
Proposal
The idea of linking East Anglia’s rivers to the national canal network to create a navigable ring was first proposed by Samuel Whitbread over 200 years ago.
750,000
Visitors
Could be attracted to this new waterway, studies have shown.
900
Permanent jobs
Would be created by this work
2,900
Person-years
of temporary, construction jobs would be created.
£26 million
Extra
would be brought in to the local economy each year
Bedford to Milton Keynes
The line of the canal has been safeguarded and is included in all regional and national plans, and the first funded structure – an underpass under the new duelled A421 near Stewartby – was completed in autumn 2009.
The project has been led by a consortium of local councils and other agencies since 2010.
Partners include:
- Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Trust (B&MKWT)
- Local councils
- IWA
- Canal & River Trust
- Great Ouse Boating Association
- Environment Agency.
As well as creating regeneration opportunities for local communities along its route, it would also provide a strategic connection to the waterways of East Anglia. Part of the Ouse and two railway bridges will have to be modified to allow boats to pass along the river. Then it will be possible to reach Cambridge, Peterborough and possibly Boston in Lincolnshire if the Boston to Peterborough Wetland Corridor is progressed.
Waterway notes
Waterway Group
New waterways add value
The advantages of the proposed waterways far exceed leisure boating alone. They incorporate a nature reserve, footpaths and cycle ways, the potential to improve flora and fauna and will contribute to the health and wellbeing of locals and visitors.
Sustainable Boating
We want boating on canals and rivers to be more sustainable and – even though the current overall contribution to UK carbon emissions is very small – we want to help reduce emissions on the waterways.
Waterways Heritage at Risk
Britain’s canals and rivers are a unique, living heritage. But that heritage is at risk – from urban development, lack of protection, loss of skills and knowledge and climate change.
You can help Save Waterways Heritage.
Waterway restoration
Restoring the UK’s blue infrastructure – our inherited network of navigable canals and rivers – is good for people and places.
Restoration II
Over the last 75 years – since IWA was formed – more than 500 miles of waterway have been restored. This includes the Kennet & Avon Canal, the Rochdale Canal, the Warwickshire Avon, the Peak Forest Canal, Ashton Canal, the southern Stratford-upon-Avon Canal, the Basingstoke Canal, the Droitwich Canals, the Pocklington Canal, the Huddersfield Narrow Canal, much of the Great Ouse, the Droitwich Canals and main route through the Middle Level via Well Creek, and many other besides.
Waterway underfunding
Hundreds of miles of waterways – along with their unique heritage and habitats – are currently starved of funding and rely on constant lobbying by us to safeguard their future.
Sustainable Boating
We want boating on canals and rivers to be more sustainable and – even though the current overall contribution to UK carbon emissions is very small – we want to help reduce emissions on the waterways.
Waterways Heritage at Risk
Britain’s canals and rivers are a unique, living heritage. But that heritage is at risk – from urban development, lack of protection, loss of skills and knowledge and climate change.
You can help Save Waterways Heritage.
Waterway restoration
Restoring the UK’s blue infrastructure – our inherited network of navigable canals and rivers – is good for people and places.
LOVE YOUR WATERWAYS
Britain's waterways are vital; together we can campaign for them now and for the future.
