Work has started on the latest stage of Wychavon’s multi-million-pound investment in leisure and wellbeing projects in Droitwich Spa.
The towpath running along the Droitwich Canal from Vines Park to Ladywood Lock in Salwarpe is being resurfaced to create a health corridor.
Currently, the towpath is a mixture of uneven sand, silt, and stone, making it inaccessible for many residents, particularly during winter.
The towpath is being completely reconstructed with a new sub-base and edging boards to help maintain the structure. It will be resurfaced with compacted grey limestone to give it a high-quality, natural finish. Three wheelchair-friendly benches and new directional signage are also being installed along the route.
The initial proposal included suggestions for new mooring, solar lighting and a bike scheme. These aren’t included in the project as detailed investigations resulted in concerns about ongoing maintenance issues and constraints caused by the width of the path. Wychavon is continuing to explore with the charity Canal & River Trust, the possibility of installing a kayak launch along the route.
Contractor R&C Williams is carrying out the work, which is expected to take up to 14 weeks to complete. It is being done in sections, so only some of the towpath will be closed at any one time. Warning notices are in place along the route and will be advertised in advance on Wychavon’s website and Facebook page.
The project was inspired by Droitwich Spa Place Board and is part of a major investment in leisure and wellbeing in the town by Wychavon, including upgrading Droitwich Spa Lido and Droitwich Spa Leisure Centre and creating a new pump track and skate park.
Once completed, the new towpath will create an easily accessible route, providing increased access to nature, including the recently improved Coney Meadow wetland and reed bed.
The Canal & River Trust has transformed the 5.5-hectare site with funding from Wychavon’s share of the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Restoring ponds has added open water to the site, and its water-holding capacity has been improved through the diversion and retention of surface water from the nearby Droitwich Canal. Areas of the main reed bed have been cut to enhance open water habitat and water edge environments and promote healthy new reed growth. The work will ensure the site continues to be a rich haven for wildlife and contributes to carbon capture.
Cllr Dan Birch, Wychavon’s Executive Board Member for Wellbeing, Social Mobility and Transformation, said: “Walking, being outdoors, and connecting with nature can boost both physical and mental wellbeing, and the creation of this accessible health corridor opens up those benefits to everyone.
“It marks another milestone for our multi-million-pound investment in leisure and wellbeing in Droitwich Spa and is a step towards achieving the vision in the town investment prospectus of making Droitwich Spa a health and wellbeing destination.”
Matt Nicol, Chair of Droitwich Spa Place Board, said: “I’m thrilled to see the health corridor project come to life. As a Place Board idea, it highlights how working with Wychavon and the Canal & River Trust can create spaces that benefit the entire community. These improvements will offer a welcoming and accessible space for everyone to enjoy year-round.
Ian Lane, Head of Operational Partnerships & Fundraising at Canal & River Trust, said: “This towpath upgrade project is a fantastic example of how we can work together to make canals welcoming and attractive. They provide such a wealth of benefits and it’s great to see projects like this unlock their potential, whether that be for our boating customers or from the local communities that are within easy reach of this wonderful green corridor.”
Pictured above: (left to right) Ian Edwards, Wychavon’s Director of Economy and Environment, Matt Nicol, Chair of Droitwich Spa Place Board, Gemma Ranford, Wychavon’s Place Projects Officer, Brad Gutteridge, Site Manager for R&C Williams and Sophie Willingale, Enterprise Manager (West Midlands) for the Canal & River Trust.