Since 2006, West Dunbartonshire Council, Clydebank Rebuilt, British Waterways Scotland and The Waterways Trust Scotland have delivered a number of successful projects aimed at ‘Animating the Canal’ within West Dunbartonshire.
The main projects have been focused at Clydebank where the Forth and Clyde Canal has become a key part of the regeneration of the town centre.
Details of Clydebank Town Centre projects can be found here.
Other projects undertaken have included: -
Towpath Improvements – the canal towpath has been re-surfaced to the east and west of Clydebank providing an enhanced pedestrian and cycle route route from the communities of Whitecrook, Linnvale and Dalmuir to the town centre. Further canal towpath improvements between Dalmuir and Old Kilpatrick were completed in March 2011.
Underpass Lighting – the canal bridge underpasses at Argyll Road and Kilbowie Road have been cleverly lit through innovative schemes enhancing access to the town centre and improving safety and security. Further bespoke lighting was installed in 2010 at the underpass linking the shopping centre with the retail park in Clydebank town centre.
Access, seating and signage improvements – during 2008 pathway links to the canal towpath were enhanced and directional and interpretation signs installed. New canal side seating was also provided and, at Bowling, a fantastic family picnic area created where the canal meets the River Clyde.
Artwork Installation – artworks, installed along the canal at Clydebank, have included a rope seat, giant bike and goldfish seat designed by artist John Crosby.
These improvements have allowed the canal and its towpath to become a much more vibrant and thriving place. There is a greater sense of pride in the canal and people are using it more as a valuable recreational resource. There has been a marked increase in numbers using the towpath since the first Animating the Canal projects were completed in 2007/2008. Pedestrian numbers have risen on a year to year basis at both Clydebank and Bowling which are two main hubs on the wider canal network.
External Links
http://www.clydebankrebuilt.co.uk/
http://www.britishwaterways.co.uk/scotland
http://www.thewaterwaystrust.org.uk/in-your-area/scotland
Contact Us
Regeneration
Housing, Environmental & Economic Development
Council Offices
Garshake Road
Dumbarton
G82 3PU
Telephone 01389 737597
Email: davina.lavery@west-dunbarton.gov.uk
