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Recent
developments of the Chelmer and Blackwater Canal include:-
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Restoration
of Springfield Basin by the local branch of the Inland Waterways
Association in 1993
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A
Heritage Lottery Grant was approved in 1998 to assist in the
repair of locks and bridges along the canal, which is now
complete.
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Construction
of a new marina to the North of Chelmsford’s Springfield Basin
providing secure moorings for 12 boats, started in 2001 it is
scheduled for completion in April 2004, together with prestigious housing
development overlooking the marina.
Future
plans for the Chelmer and Blackwater Canal include:-
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A new marina at Sandford Mill stream has recently been proposed,
for private pleasure cruisers. It would re-use the former filter
beds from a long disused water works, with a new cut being made
to connect to the marina, forming an almost secret, naturally
screened, leafy marina.
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A Broad Beam canal barges, constructed by C&BN, is now moored at Springfield Basin to be used as offices and
studios. 2 are planned, together with mooring facilities for
visitor boats.
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Navigation of the River Blackwater between Langford and Beeleigh
falls.
This will enable navigation from the canal, by Maldon Golf Club
up to the Museum of Power at Langford where a landing stage is
planned. Some dredging is required, and agreement made between
land owners, hopefully this will be possible soon.
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Construction of Marina 2 at Springfield may well start next year
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Extend
navigation into Chelmsford town centre, by the means of a new
cut between Springfield Basin and the River Chelmer. Financed
through redevelopment of the old gas works site in conjunction
with Chelmsford Council. This could include a marina and a major
hotel development. No firm dates available, but likely to be 2
or 3 years away at least.
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Extend
the canal into the River Stort and the main UK canal network.
This is likely many years away, no detailed planning has been
undertaken to date.
Last
updated February 2004
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