Wakefield's Waterways





Restoration of the Navigation Warehouse

On the wider aspect of the waterfront regeneration scheme, developers CTP St James have already started work to secure the future of a number of fine historic mills and warehouse buildings.

The first phase of the development includes the landmark historic Calder & Hebble Navigation Warehouse; a listed Grade II* building. 

A sensitive restoration scheme is planned for the warehouse to create new office space at the upper levels and a restaurant bar in the ground floor.

Wildlife

There are endless opportunities to see wildlife along the waterways in Yorkshire - and not just in the countryside.

Wakefield Waterfront hosts a wide variety of birds such as mallards, moorhens, swans, herons and summer visitors like the swallows, to name but a few.

The water quality of the River Calder has improved significantly over the last few years.

These improved conditions have not only helped to increase fish stocks such as pike and roach.  They help to attract birds such as the kingfisher, which likes to live where the water quality is good.

It is quite common to spot field mice, shrews, rabbits, voles, frogs and toads.

The waterfront development will give people living and working nearby more opportunities to enjoy the wildlife.

Every year British Waterways invites the public to get involved in its wildlife survey – you can find out more by logging on to www.waterscape.com/wildlife

Waterways Activities

During the summer months the waterways play host to a wide range of festivals. 

Film companies frequently use the canal as a backdrop, for example Touch of Frost, and that well known favourite - Last of the Summer Wine.

For more information on where and how to fish, boat, cycle, walk or enjoy a day out, log on to www.waterscape.com.   Sign up for the weekly news email for up to date information on what’s going on along the waterways.

For information about canals and waterways in the Yorkshire region, please contact British Waterways Customer Services Team on
0113 281 6860 or email enquiries.yorkshire@britishwaterways.co.uk








British Waterways talks about the regeneration of Wakefield's historic waterfront ... 



Wakefield Waterfront
© Yvonne Akroyd


Brief History

Wakefield’s waterways have played a significant role in the city’s industrial heritage and economic prosperity.

Developed in the 1760-70’s they were the catalyst for construction of warehousing and commercial properties for the industries that relied upon the canal for transportation of freight.

This industry was prosperous for a number of years, but the site began to decline by the end of the 19th century, in line with the decline of the canal’s importance as a means of transporting goods.

Revival

Now the waterfront is coming alive again, contributing to Wakefield’s exciting revival.

British Waterways has been involved in the Wakefield Waterfront Regeneration Scheme from the beginning and were instrumental in the establishment of the Wakefield Waterfront Partnership. 

The Partnership included land owners, tenants, community interest groups and Wakefield Council.  Key aims were to stimulate and promote regeneration, maximise the potential, and create a breathtaking, vibrant new waterfront destination for Wakefield, where people could live, work and enjoy their leisure time.

The Hepworth Wakefield

The Hepworth Wakefield is Yorkshire's exciting new art gallery and creative centre which will open in winter 2009/10.

Commissioned by Wakefield Council, the new gallery has been designed by David Chipperfield.  It will be built on a prime waterside location, within the City's historic waterfront, adjacent to the River Calder.

The scheme includes a new pedestrian bridge, designed by Whitby Bird Engineers, over the River Calder that will link the gallery and wider waterfront to Wakefield City Centre. 

The River Calder is part of the Calder & Hebble Navigation, linking the site to the wider network of historic waterways within Yorkshire and nationally, and visitors from far and wide.

Opening up accessibility

It is a little known fact that 50% of the population live within five miles of their nearest canal and in Wakefield the waterways have gone largely unnoticed for a number of years.

The new waterfront is set to change all this, and open up a brand new impressive gateway at the southern approach to the City.

British Waterways is responsible for maintaining 270 miles of the 200 year old inland waterway network in Yorkshire alone, as well as over 300 listed structures.

When the new waterfront setting is complete, people will discover they can use it for a wide range of leisure activities and make it part of their everyday lives.

The towpath is an ideal place for exercising, angling, walking or cycling to work, taking the family to feed the ducks or just chilling out and enjoying a stress free lunch break.