River Soar and Grand Union Canal Strategy

The River Soar and Grand Union Canal Corridor occupies a central position within the East Midlands Region, located in the north of Leicestershire. The Waterway corridor area encompasses the Districts of Charnwood, Blaby, Oadby and Wigston, as well as running through the centre of the City of Leicester. The character of the route and its surroundings vary significantly throughout the corridor, the Waterway flowing through urban suburbs, industrial areas, city centres, villages and open countryside. The water provides an important link between the urban environments and rural Leicestershire, providing an element of greenspace as well as functioning as an access route between the differing areas.

Waterways are a vital component of the country’s infrastructure – encapsulating economic, social and environmental functions. They represent a part of the country’s public realm and a place where a broad range of activities are undertaken. This importance is reflected in waterways being widely adopted as the focus for regeneration in both urban/rural areas throughout the UK helping to achieve balance between economic, social and environmental impacts in a sustainable way.

The emerging strategy provides an assessment of the current position, issues and future opportunities for River Soar and Grand Union Canal, “the Waterway”, recommending a series of short to medium term actions to secure a successful long-term future for the Waterway.

For more information visit the website for Waterscape or The Waterways Trust