Leeds-Liverpool Canal reopens into Liverpool Docks
[photo: www.penninewaterways.co.uk]
The Leeds and Liverpool canal is claimed as England's longest at 127 miles and links the east and west sides of the country. Authorised initially in 1770, the canal took almost 40 years to complete, by which time other trans-Pennine links (Huddersfield, Rochdale canals) had eaten into the prospective traffic. Commercial use continued until the early 1960s, however, with shorter stretches still used for coal traffic etc. until 1980. The heritage importance of the canal includes Bingley Five-Rise Locks, Saltaire, Wigan Pier and now the Dockers' Clock, Pier Head and Albert Dock in Liverpool.
The canal basin forming the original terminus near Liverpool's city centre was filled in during 1960s city redevelopment. A £22m project has now opened to join the canal through some of the old docks estate into the Albert Dock complex at the heart of the city. The new alignment across Liverpool Pier Head, involving three short stretches of tunnel, was carefully designed to complement the famous Three Graces waterfront: the Liver Building, Cunard Building and the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board Building. The new canal stretch ends in Canning Dock beside the preserved GWR warehouse.
First test runs of the complete length in March with a ceremonial opening by the Mayor were followed by full public access from the end of April 2009. For a full virtual tour of the new extension click here