APPENDIX 5
Memorandum submitted by British Waterways
Scotland
1. PROJECT OUTLINE
1.1 The project
1.1.1 The Millennium Link project is restoring
navigation in the Forth & Clyde and Union canals in Central
Scotland enabling boats to sail between Edinburgh and Glasgow
and between Grangemouth on the River Forth and Bowling on the
River Clyde.
1.1.2 Over 100km of canals will be brought
back into use for the benefit of boaters, canoeists, walkers and
cyclists. The environment will be greatly enhanced as water flows
are improved, structures repaired and towpaths widened. Communities,
separated by physical obstructions across the canals, will be
re-united as continuous towpath is constructed.
1.1.3 To achieve full navigability the major
works being undertaken are:
— 29 bridges to carry existing roads
over the canals at a level which will provide the necessary headroom;
— seven new or refurbished opening
bridges;
— six new locks and 36 refurbished
locks;
— over 4km new or re-formed canal channel;
— repairs to 25 masonry arch bridges
and 13 aqueducts;
— dredging of more than 200,000 tonnes
of material;
— upgrading of over 100km of towpath;
— soft and hard landscaping;
— and as the project's centrepiece,
the world's first rotating boatlift, over 30m high.
1.1.4 The potential for regeneration along
the canal corridor is immense as much of the canalside has fallen
into dereliction following the closure of the canals in the 1960s.
Already, housing developments and a business park are underway
and proposals are being drawn up for marinas, and associated facilities.
1.2 Grant recipient
1.2.1 Recipient of the Millennium Commission
grant is British Waterways, a part public funded organisation
responsible for the maintenance and development of inland waterways
in England, Wales and Scotland.
1.2.2 British Waterways are undertaking
the project management role on the Millennium Link and are responsible
for planning, programming, procurement, cost control and payments.
In addition, British Waterways are undertaking the design of selected
heritage and environmental aspects of the project.
1.3 Marking the Millennium
The project marks the Millennium by reminding
the people of central Scotland and beyond of the heritage value
of the first great transport system—a ribbon of canals joining
great cities and great rivers, and which is being developed into
a national treasure with benefits both recreational and economic.
The project is revitalising the canals' heritage for modern use
and for the benefit of canalside communities and visitors alike.
It is also providing an example of "modern heritage"
in the form of the spectacular rotating boatlift, the Falkirk
Wheel.
2.0 THE ROLE
OF THE
MILLENNIUM COMMISSION
2.1 Prior to the award of grant, the Millennium
Commission took an active role in assessing the viability of the
project, and were keen to establish support for the project throughout
the community. Their confidence has been amply rewarded.
2.2 Since July 1998 the Commission and their
appointed Project Monitor has closely monitored the performance
of the project. Whilst considerable British Waterways' resources
have been required to respond to the monitoring requirements of
the Commission, it is accepted that value for money has to be
demonstrated and an audit trail provided. As grant recipients
we are generally satisfied with the effectiveness of the administration
and project monitoring by the Millennium Commission.
3.0 PROJECT BUDGET
3.1 Budget at grant application and grant
award
British Waterways' project budget in 1995 was £100
million and an application was made for £50 million from
the Millennium Commission. This was rejected and a new application
was made in 1996 for £32.2 million based on a reduced scope
project with a budget of £78.4 million. at the time of grant
award the budget remained at £78.4 million.
It is British Waterways' intention to carry
out the remainder of the originally planned works in a further
phase, post Millennium Commission.
3.2 Amount of grant
The amount of grant awarded by the Millennium
Commission is £32.2 million. No further awards have been
made by the Commission.
3.3 Current budget and co-funding
The current budget remains at £78.4 million.
Co-funding is as follows:
— Scottish Enterprise network—£18.70
million
— British Waterways—£9.30
million
— Local authorities—£7.20
million
— Private and voluntary—£2.40
million
4.0 PROJECT TIMETABLE
4.1 The grant agreement incorporates a project
completion date of September 2001. The current estimate for completion
of canal works and the first rotation of the boatlift is September
2001, although full completion (including commissioning and handover)
is expected in December 2001. This slippage results from the re-design
of the rotating boatlift to better reflect the 21st Century with
its dramatic "moving sculpture" appearance.
5.0 LONG-TERM
VIABILITY
5.1 The prospects for the long term viability
of the project are considered to be very good. Interest in the
project is high both locally and internationally, and the early
predictions of revenue generation are expected to be confirmed.
Two successful events celebrating contract completions
were held in May 2000, and several thousand people turned out
to watch upwards of 50 boats participate in "sail-throughs"
and many walked and cycled the towpath following the boats.
May 2000
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