Local dignitaries have helped unveil plans for a leisure scheme that will regenerate waterside areas in Wigan.

“The Bridgewater Way” will encourage new uses such as cycling, provide better access and introduce public areas of interest including sculptures and information.

Coinciding with the 245^th anniversary of the opening of the Bridgewater Canal, the launch event featured a newly created decorated bicycle made especially for the project by Arts Company Walk the Plank who are co-ordinating the Bridgewater Way Arts Partnership.

 

Artists Gowri Savoor and Bryan Tweddle have been commissioned to transform a tricycle into a moving piece of art that reflects the heritage of the canal and the towpath, it’s many users in 2006 and the wildlife that lives in and around it.

 

The Mayor of Wigan Cllr Mrs Eunice Smethurst joined the celebrations and officially launched the start of the project In Leigh Town Centre. Work will begin on the first phase from Butts Bridge to Mathers Lane, Leigh, later this year.

The Bridgewater Way will bring a number of benefits to the local and regional economies including an increase in over half a million visitors, a net income of £6 million to the local economies along it’s route, reduced crime and increased safety and the creation of a total of almost 250 new jobs. 

 

 

Mike Butterworth, Property Director of Peel said:

 

“There is now a new future for the leisure use of the towpath which has been underused and neglected. The Bridgewater Way has the potential to connect communities and bring economic benefits whilst conserving and enhancing this historic asset”