A NEW health corridor along the Droitwich Canal is now under construction as part of a large investment in leisure and wellbeing projects across the town.
The towpath running along the canal from Vines Park to Ladywood Lock in Salwarpe is being resurfaced. Wheelchair friendly benches and new directional signage will also be installed.
Currently, the towpath is a mixture of uneven sand, silt, and stone, making it inaccessible for many residents, particularly during winter.
It is being completely reconstructed with a new sub-base and edging boards to help maintain the structure. It will be resurfaced with compacted grey limestone to give it a high-quality, natural finish.
Councillor Dan Birch, Wychavon’s executive board member for wellbeing, social mobility and transformation, said: “Walking, being outdoors, and connecting with nature can boost both physical and mental wellbeing, and the creation of this accessible health corridor opens up those benefits to everyone.”
Initial proposals included suggestions for new mooring, solar lighting and a bike scheme. These are no longer included in the project due to investigations revealing concerns about ongoing maintenance issues and constraints caused by the width of the path.
Wychavon District Council says it is however continuing to explore with the charity Canal & River Trust, the possibility of installing a kayak launch along the route.
Ian Lane, head of operational partnerships & fundraising at Canal & River Trust, said: “This towpath upgrade project is a fantastic example of how we can work together to make canals welcoming and attractive.”
The expected 14 week project is being carried out by contractor R&C Williams. It is being done in sections, so only some of the towpath will be closed at any one time.
The project was inspired by Droitwich Spa Place Board and is part of a major investment in leisure and wellbeing in the town by Wychavon, including upgrading Droitwich Spa Lido and Droitwich Spa Leisure Centre and creating a new pump track and skate park.
Matt Nicol, chair of Droitwich Spa Place Board, said: “I’m thrilled to see the health corridor project come to life.”
Once completed, the new towpath will create an easily accessible route, providing increased access to nature, including the recently improved Coney Meadow wetland and reed bed.
The Canal & River Trust has transformed the 5.5-hectare Coney Meadow site with funding from Wychavon’s share of the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
