The potential benefits of canal restoration
include:
The attraction of over one
million visitors to the canal and surrounding areas;
Additional tourist expenditure of
between £12m and £18m
Creation of over 900 jobs;
Regeneration opportunities for
businesses, employment and leisure facilities;
Significant areas of brownfield
land brought back into use;
Protection and enhancement of
wildlife species and habitats;
Promoting the use of sustainable
transport through footpaths, boats and cycleway;
Connection of Kendal to the rest
of the canal network making Kendal a major destination for
boaters;
Increasing leisure use along the
Canal route and providing a focus for leisure activity outside
the Lake District National Park;
Securing the future of a large
number of buildings with heritage value;
Providing a resource for
education including wildlife, heritage and sports;
Scope for an arts sculpture
trail;
Possible opportunities for farm
diversification.
The
Northern Reaches that has been described as The Gateway to
the Lakes and links the Lancaster Canal to Kendal. Once
opened the canal will benefit the surrounding areas by offering
opportunities to develop the local economy through urban and
rural regeneration initiatives, increased tourism and will
provide job opportunities as well as unsurpassed facilities.
