The project

There will be public walkways alongside the water as well as recreational areas. The waterside along the canal will be terraced down, forming informal seating close to the water and shelter from the wind. The canal will be set at a level below the existing Pier Head, while wide walkways across the canal will enable pedestrian circulation to be maintained. Appropriate contemporary material will be used to reflect the character of the Pier Head.

The canal line has been designed to protect the locations of existing monuments, and the link will restore part of Manchester Dock - exposing historic dock walls. It is one of a number of planned initiatives bringing new life to the Pier Head and the City of Liverpool.

An independent study has indicated the new Canal Link could help create nearly 200 new jobs, attract an extra 200,000 visitors annually and boost spending in the area by up to £3.8 million. If planning consent is granted, and with funding and the necessary land agreements in place, canal boats could be cruising from the end of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal into Albert Dock by 2007 - in time for Liverpool's 800th Anniversary.

British Waterways continues to work in partnership with Liverpool City Council, Liverpool Vision and key stakeholders to ensure the canal link works in harmonry with the Pier Head, tram link and new ferry and cruise liner terminal facilities.

At the same time, the Leeds & Liverpool Canal through Merseyside is being transformed with improved facilities and more involvement by local people. Find out more about the Mersey Canal Corridor.