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Reviving the Lapal Canal: Birmingham’s Historic Bypass Restoration

The Lapal Canal Project aims to restore Birmingham's first bypass, extending over 11 miles. Key components include the derelict 5.5 miles from Hawne Basin to Halesowen, and the 2.2-mile Lapal Tunnel. The project seeks to rejuvenate local heritage sites such as St. Mary’s Abbey and Weoley Castle while enhancing recreational opportunities for walkers, cyclists, and boaters. Community involvement through local volunteer groups will ensure the maintenance of the corridor. This ambitious £10M project promises to revitalize the area, improving social amenities and property values.

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Reviving the Lapal Canal: Birmingham’s Historic Bypass Restoration

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  1. The Lapal Canal Project Dr Peter Best www.lapal.org

  2. Birmingham’s first bypass ! - 1798 Dudley #1, Windmill End - - - - - Worcester & Birmingham, Selly Oak 11 miles

  3. The Lapal Canal= derelict ‘half’ =5.5. miles Hawne Basin, Halesowen - - - - - W&B, Selly Oak

  4. Restoration Strategy :to make ends meet • Halesowen or Western Approach Canal 1.4 miles or 2195 yards • The Lapal Tunnel 2.2 miles or 3795 yards • The Selly Oak Extension or Eastern Approach Canal 1.8 miles or 3146 yards

  5. Lapal – West : The Leasowes Abbeyfields St Mary’s Abbey Lapal – East : Selly Oak Park Lodge Hill Weoley Castle Restoration Sequences:the parallel ‘thirds’ ParklandBacklandHeritage Tunnel Heritage BacklandParkland

  6. Lapal Restoration Treasures Hawne Basin - Halesowen Gorsty Hill Tunnel – Lapal’s Little “sister” Selly Oak Park oldest remaining accommodation bridge in BCN Breeches Pool – Leasowes Valley

  7. Restoration Benefits : The Lapal Greenway • Recreational amenity for walkers, joggers, pedal-cyclists and anglers including rehabilitation excursions from QEH complex • Corridor and haven for rural wildlife in urban settings • Rejuvenation of two heritage sites: Halesowen St Mary’s Abbey and Weoley Castle Ruins • Additional boating opportunities for canal tourism i.e. further cruising rings around the Midlands

  8. Weoley Castle:a boat moat ? the castle moat at Kirby Muxloe, Leicestershire …. compatible water-levels could provide isolation of Ruins against vandalism while a modern swing-bridge then provides legitimate access

  9. Local Benefits : Roses for Castles • Rejuvenation out of dereliction • Reduction in crime • Increase in property value • Improved social amenities • “security moat” for offside houses • Improved access for nearside homes • Pride in a local project

  10. Working Parties :our pledge of vigilance Waterways Recovery Group (BITM) scrub-bash March ‘05 Birmingham University Student Volunteers, February ‘05 • Maintenance of corridor as a viable restoration • Involvement of local and national volunteers • Visible statement of intention and goodwill • Opportunities for informal communications

  11. Lapal Tunnel:a future for the past ? • £10M to restore ! • Bi-directional working • Escape walkway • Statutory Services • Waterbus services • ? “Rotunda Unda” – UK Canal Museum ? Lapal Tunnel’s former ‘central’ air vent near rear of Visitor Centre

  12. ?? Any Questions ?? www . lapal . org

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