As part of the Canal Fun Day event on Sunday 20th September, between 12-4pm Watson Homes are offering a unique opportunity to explore the breach repair, canal restoration and what is planned in the coming months on their section of the Manchester, Bolton & Bury Canal. During the event residents will be able to access the canal via Mytham Road and through Watson’s construction site. After the event signs will remain in place but access will only be available via Boscow Road.
Read on for the self-guided tour and briefing notes (these can also be found printed and laminated at each station):
The Connection
- The existing brick sluice gate will be removed.
- A double stop plank will be installed to separate the section of canal managed by Watson from the section managed by the Canal & River Trust.
- Once this is in place, work will begin on the canal basin, working from the new stop planks towards the bridge.
The Cafe
- This is where the new café and activity center will be located.
- A new jetty is being installed to provide access to the water.
- The jetty will provide a launch point for canoes and kayaks.
- Construction of the café will begin in early 2027, with opening planned for early summer 2027.
The Bridge
- The new bridge has replaced the old bridge, which was structurally failing and was not wide enough for the new road serving the lower development.
- A new towpath will run beneath the bridge.
- The canal channel beneath the bridge will be suitable for narrow boats.
- As you walk beneath the new bridge, you will be able to see the old bridge.
- New viewing platforms on both sides of the canal will provide views up and down the waterway.
The Breach
You are standing at the location of the 1936 canal breach. The canal bank gradually eroded and eventually gave way, releasing millions of gallons of water into the River Irwell.
- The breach was caused by a combination of horizontal coal mine shafts beneath the area and an underground spring known as Boscow Spring.
- The first step was to fill the area with earth, allowing the piling works to take place safely at the top of the breach.
- Piles have now been installed 14 meters into the bedrock to form the channel for the new canal.
- Work is ongoing to capture the spring beneath the canal and direct the water through pipework to the River Irwell, helping to prevent future erosion.
- A ring beam will sit on top of the piles, with a new towpath installed to the rear.
- From here, views down towards the river will offer a glimpse into the area’s past.
Rebuilding the canal
The full length of the canal is being repaired using the same construction approach.
- Reduce the canal to a consistent depth.
- Reshape the sides with earth.
- Install a multiple-layer membrane system to keep the water within the canal.
- Protect the membrane with flat blockwork, helping prevent rips and tears.
- Together, these works will create a secure and watertight canal channel.
Restoring the locks and canal
- Working closely with the Canal & River Trust, extensive works are taking place around Nob End Locks.
- Repair the bull nose.
- Clear the earth from the section of canal beneath the bridge.
- Install double stop planks, following the same detail as the existing sluice gate.
- An earth mound will be created at the top of the former locks. This will act as a bund, helping to retain the water.
- The whole area will then be lined using the same approach as the rest of the canal, before the canal is filled with water once again.
END