THE Swansea Canal Society this month reached a major milestone in its work to regenerate the historic Swansea Canal.
After several years of work by society volunteers and supporters, a previously infilled section of the waterway in Clydach has become a water-filled mooring basin.
Now flooded
The newly completed basin is now flooded in an event that was attended by funders and project supporters from across the community.
Also unveiled was a new launching ramp for use by canoeists, and a by-wash water channel that will maintain canal water levels.
The work was made possible thanks to the Welsh Government 'Brilliant Basics' programme administered by Visit Wales, with additional grants from Swansea Council, Postcode Community Fund, Glandwr Cymru and the Canoe Foundation.
Transformed into a canal cetre
Guests saw how work is progressing on formerly derelict retail premises that are being transformed into a canal centre and a community asset, with Councillor Gordon Walker, Chair of Swansea Canal Society, remarking:
“The Society is grateful for the funding to complete the first phase of reopening the canal through the Clydach Lock site. This will help to link Clydach town centre to the delightful canal corridor where people can enjoy healthy recreational activities.
“If further funding can be secured, the buried lock on the site will be fully reinstated so boats can once again travel into the town. Swansea Canal Society volunteers are keen to continue working closely with Swansea Council and Glandwr Cymru the owners of the canal, so the Swansea Canal at Clydach can be developed as a major new visitor destination.”
Rebecca Evans, Member of the the Senedd for Gower, explained:
“Swansea Canal Society has done amazing work over the years, breathing new life into this important part of our heritage, and there is no stopping their ambition.
“This latest development has been made possible partly through the Welsh Government’s £10m Brilliant Basics fund, which helps public, third sector, and not-for-profit organisations deliver small scale tourism infrastructure improvements which have a big impact, helping ensure that visitors to Wales have a positive and memorable experience—and of course, delivering improvements that local residents can enjoy all year round.”