Waterways > Maidenhead Waterways
Maidenhead Waterways
Maidenhead Waterways Restoration Group was formed in 2007 with the aim to restore to a navigable standard the Thames backwaters that run through Maidenhead town centre.
Map showing the Maidenhead Waterways and adjacent Thames
Facts & Stats
4 miles
(6.4km)
The length of Thames Backwaters that the Group plans to revive.
Maidenhead Waterways Restoration Group
Maidenhead Waterways Restoration Group was formed in 2007 with the aim to restore to a navigable standard the Thames backwaters that run through Maidenhead town centre, alongside the main river Thames, which lies two-thirds of a mile to the east. The existing channels were derelict and partly dried up completely each summer. The Group arranged a technical feasibility by Black & Veatch, and a provisional design was established, with two locks and weirs used to raise and retain water levels in the town centre, allowing smaller boats into a natural town centre ‘ring’ with day mooring and turning circles.
Other works needed include the removal of stream obstructions, cutting back overgrowth and dredging to deepen the channel. Existing planned bridge rebuilds incorporate increased headroom and will increase maximum height of boats able to use the channel. The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead has backed the plans and a waterway plan is being embedded in new Town Centre Action plan for Maidenhead regeneration. The scheme, covering Bray Marina to the town centre, is expected to cost between £8 to 10 million. Much work has already been completed with public benefit evident.
Waterway notes
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
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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.
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Waterway restoration
Restoring the UK’s blue infrastructure – our inherited network of navigable canals and rivers – is good for people and places.
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