An iconic structure could feature in the restoration of Newport Canal as part of a £23 million overhaul designed to attract more than 250,000 visitors each year, the Advertiser can reveal.
Plans were made public this week in a study commissioned by Shrewsbury and Newport Canal Trust to link the waterway up with the Shropshire Union Canal using a structure similar to the Falkirk Wheel in Scotland.
The plans would see a boat lift built linking the stretches of canal between Norbury Junction and Forton Bridge - which has a height difference of more than 30 metres.
The designs would bring an estimated £7 million to the area each year, creating more than 200 indirect jobs and 50 on-going jobs for on-site operations.
The initial appraisal undertaken by Astley Associates was completed in January.
Their report says: “The means of re-connecting the Newport Canal to the Shropshire Union Canal is probably the most significant decision in the whole restoration of the Shrewsbury and Newport Canals network.
“The scheme provides for a modern engineering structure to lift boats 22.3 metres between the two canals, restoration of locks together with significant tourism development in terms of visitor centres and educational facilities at Norbury Junction and Shelmore.
“It also creates a new road access from the A519 direct to Norbury Junction for the estimated 165,000 - 256,000 day visitors per annum removing all tourist traffic from Norbury village.”
If the link is forged it will connect Newport Canal to the national network including Wappenshall.
However, engineers have encountered problems because the Shropshire Union Canal runs more than 30 metres above the level of Newport Canal.
An alternative solution has been put forward adopting Thomas Telford’s design, restoring the original flight of 17 locks. Athough cheaper it poses threats of considerable water and energy loss.
The ‘Falkirk Wheel’ plan would bypass the first 12 locks of the original design creating a large inclined plane in Shelmore.
The remaining five locks and associated bridges and channel to Forton Bridge would be restored.
The report added: “The balanced approach of the design of the plane means that there is virtually no loss of water and very small energy requirements to move the boats. It provides a very sustainable solution to these issues.”
The report recommended the boat lift plan be created, stating that although it costs more it would provide better sustainability as well as creating business and regeneration opportunities.
By Sam Pinnington