This section of the canal originally ran across the front of the crate-making wharf area with an arm running directly off it running alongside the old warehouse where the loading and unloading of pottery and clay took place.
This whole are will be improved considerable as what is now Potteries Waste reclamation yard becomes an active mooring basin for visiting boaters wanting an overnight stay in order to explore this historic area further and to take advantage of the revitalised warehouse with all its new facilities.
Most of the existing infilled section of canal remains with the recently installed footpath linking it up to the original footbridge at its northern end, giving onward connections west to Middleport Pottery and east to Burslem, the historic centre of the pottery industry with its museums, galleries and the Wedgwood Institute
Where the new raised level canal towpath passes the end of Luke Street a footbridge will enable all residents of the west to cross over the canal to access the warehouse and new mooring basin on the eastern side.
Detailed description
When the canal reaches this section it is of course at the level of the Trent & Mersey Canal, meaning that the towpath and quayside will be 1, higher, so careful design will be needed to ensure access for all, to boats, buildings, roads and car parking. At the south end of the section, steps will lead you from the path to Luke Street then on to Newport Lane and a bus route in one direction, or back over the new footbridge to the warehouse and basin in the other. The latter could have the opportunity for offering trip boat journeys, self hire day boats and maybe even rowing boats for hire.
The footbridge at the north end of the section will mark the end of the old canal corridor to the visiting public.
Landowners
Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Severn Trent Water
Stakeholders
Stoke-on-Trent City Council, boaters, visitors, local community, retailers
Delivery
This section of new canal runs into the basin alongside the main heritage asset of Burslem Port, the warehouse and wharf. It should be considered in any funding bid for restoration of that area. There is scope for volunteer-led activity in this area, particularly the creation of towpaths, moorings, amenities etc. within the basin.
Delivery
This project would have to be delivered in close partnership with British Waterways, who will have very specific requirements of any connection with their waterway. It will no doubt have to be delivered by an approved contractor. There is limited scope for volunteer-led activity in this area.
