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New trip boat for River Stort

18th Sep 2006

British Waterways is seeking an operator to run a new trip boat along the River Stort Navigation in Bishop’s Stortford, as part of an initiative to regenerate the town’s riverside.

The new boat, together with new homes and restaurants planned for the area, will help to bring the river to life and improve access for local people on and around the water. The trip boat will be given a dedicated mooring space adjacent to Jackson Square in Bishop’s Stortford.

Mark Blackwell, leisure manager of British Waterways, explains:
"The River Stort Navigation is a valuable part of Bishop Stortford’s past and, indeed, future. We have already put in new and improved boater’s facilities to encourage boats to visit the town and hope that the trip boat will play a part in helping more people discover and enjoy the waterway."

The River Stort Navigation is 22 kilometres long and winds through a number of pretty villages and towns, including Harlow, Sawbridgworth and Bishop’s Stortford. The river was canalised in the 18th century, with 15 locks constructed to allow traffic in timber, grain and malting barley. Commercial traffic on the river declined after the Second World War and finally stopped in 1972, with barges giving way to pleasure boats. Today the Stort is a popular destination for boaters, attracted to its rural landscapes and historic mills.

For an information pack please contact Nerissa Bryden, British Waterways London on Tel: 020 7985 7205 or email nerissa.bryden@britishwaterways.co.uk.

The closing date for submissions of expressions of interest is 17 November 2006.

Last updated: 22/10/2008