New Canal Link

[kat2]

http://www.aptb09.dsl.pipex.com/lcl_w.jpg
Thought I would post an update of the canal, since things seem to be happening around that area rather quickly, now the cruise liner terminal is nearly finnished, and beetham west!
picture above shows roof section being put in place which once the concrete is poured will become the area where that plinth was before.
The shangi restraunt, according to skyscrapercity, cannot yet be fully demolished due to asbestos contaminants.
kat:)

[kat2]

http://www.bigdig.liverpool.gov.uk/Images/Canal_tcm81-57893.jpg
More Herehttp://www.bigdig.liverpool.gov.uk/projects/current/leedslivcanal.asp
kat:)

[Howie]

I've always been in favour of this development. Shame it was used as an excuse to f*ck up the Mathew St. Festival. I think it will have a positive impact in encouraging further development along its route thru' the north end. I read somewhere there are about 4,500 narrowboats on the canal so there is potential for many to visit the Albert Dock. I think you get some kind of plaque off British Waterways if you travel the full 170 miles, or whatever, of the canal. Anyway I'm lookin' forward to seeing it completed. We should have had more projects like this and the museum.

[kat2]

More of the old ferry terminal was demolished today, (see above), next month if all goes to plan, (and it usually doesnt in the building world), laser lighting will be installed along parts of the water front.
kat:)

[Paul D]

More of the old ferry terminal was demolished today, (see above), next month if all goes to plan, (and it usually doesnt in the building world), laser lighting will be installed along parts of the water front.
kat:)

Tell us more about the laser lighting Kat,are these permanent or are they to do with CoC? Are they to be placed on prominent buildings etc? Any links.:)

[kat2]

hi, there are several links associated with the lighting program
but heres a start to the most recent one, May 2007
http://www.nwda.co.uk/news--events/press-releases/200701/liverpool-takes-shine-to-light.aspx
Mersey to be made into River of LightJan 30 2004

By Louise Davies Daily Post Staff

LIGHTING designers from around the world are being invited to submit plans that will illuminate the River Mersey
http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/content_objectid=13895843_method=full_siteid=50061 _headline=-Mersey-to-be-made-into-River-of-Light-name_page.html
==============================================
this is the link about the laser lighting
5) Cross-river lasers - Innovative lighting displays to showcase Liverpool'sworld-famous waterfront, with laser shows linking Liverpool and Birkenhead. The first show will coincide with the launch of the new cruiseliner facility in September.
More about the above proposals here
http://www.merseywaterfront.com/press_assets.php?ID=15&AssetID=4
the above were poposals submitted march 2007
http://www.projecting.co.uk/ETC/Projects/Son_et_Lumiere/800_Light_Years_for_Liverpool/Liverpool_1/Liverpool_1.jpg
More Herehttp://www.projecting.co.uk/ETC/Projects/Son_et_Lumiere/800_Light_Years_for_Liverpool/800_light_years_for_liverpool.html
kat:)

[Paul D]

Thanks Kat I think it's a great idea,St Georges Hall looks brilliant there.:)

[Kev]

WORK has started in Liverpool on the final phase of the ambitious scheme to build Britain’s first new canal for over a century.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1406/1463281280_98d7484f2d_o.jpg (http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1406/1463281280_98d7484f2d_o.jpg)

Canal Link:
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1400/1463278880_54d904b1b6_o.jpg (http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1400/1463278880_54d904b1b6_o.jpg)

Engineering work costing £5.4m will see the new canal route created through the central docks section to the north of the Pier Head as part of the £20m Liverpool Canal Link.

For the first time in over a century, canal boats will be able to navigate the 127-mile Leeds-Liverpool canal straight into the heart of the Albert Dock system.

British Waterways regeneration manager Martin Clarke said progress on the overall canal link is now visible.

Mr Clarke added: “The central docks section will link the Pier Head to the end of the existing canal at Stanley Dock.

“We’re working closely with Peel Holdings (owner of Liverpool docks), and this partnership will continue as their own exciting plans for regeneration of the waterfront continue to evolve.”

A new section of canal will be created through Trafalgar dock and the northern end of West Waterloo dock that were in-filled in the 1990s, along with the construction of a new crossing at the dock passage between Trafalgar and West Waterloo docks.

Dredging of the channel from West Waterloo dock to Princes dock will also take place.

The footbridge at Prince’s dock will be raised and a new fixed bridge and lock implemented, as well as an extension to the section of canal tunnel that was built earlier this year by Liverpool City Council as part of the cruise liner facility project.

The central docks section, which is being built by contractors Pierse, is expected to be ready in autumn 2008, with the entire canal scheduled for completion at the end of the year.

A British Waterways spokesman said: “The construction will bring major economic benefits to Liverpool, echoing a time past when the city’s docks were a tranship hub for inland waterways’ freight.”

Funding for the £20m new waterway has come from the Northwest Regional Development Agency, Merseyside Objective 1 programme (European Regional Development Fund), English Partnerships, Peel Holdings and British Waterways.

The Pier Head in Liverpool is already closed off to enable construction work on the canal link to be carried out.

When the waterway is opened it will cut across the Pier Head, close to the new Museum of Liverpool transforming the area into a visitor destination of international quality.

[doorwaydave]

Digger Completes Damming Of Princess Dock

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb85/doorwaydave/DSC00551.jpg



http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb85/doorwaydave/DSC00557.jpg

Princess Dock Drains Allowing Canal Work To Continue

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb85/doorwaydave/DSC00549.jpg



Canal Work In Princess Dock Alongside The Crowne Plaza

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb85/doorwaydave/DSC00544.jpg

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb85/doorwaydave/IMG_0033.jpg




Canal Outside The Liver Buildings With The New Museum In The Background


http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb85/doorwaydave/DSC00542.jpg



:034:

[A.D.W]

Good picturtes of the progress of the canal.

:PDT_Aliboronz_24:

[Howie]

I agree, great pics. There seems to have been significant progress in the construction of both the canal link and new museum since I was last down there a couple of months ago. Do we know when these projects are scheduled for completion?

[Kev]

Excellent pics :handclap:

[doorwaydave]

thanks for the comments, heres one i forgot to upload yesterday...

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb85/doorwaydave/DSC00550.jpg

princes dock drained allowing canal work to progress

[Ged]

Taken from by the old floating bridge looking north.

http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/175/canallinkfrompierheadqr6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/2164/canallinkcloserpk9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)



.

[Waterways]

I can't make out what they are doing in Princes Dock. It looks like a concrete wall to be under the water. The dock looks in parts to have been deepened. Or are they reclaiming land?

[Kev]

BRITAIN’S first new canal for more than a century will be finished within a month. As these stunning pictures show, the channel of the £21m Liverpool Canal Link has already been carved through the city’s waterfront. Read (http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2008/04/16/liverpool-s-missing-canal-link-on-brink-of-completion-64375-20769577/)

[Broliv]

I can't make out what they are doing in Princes Dock. It looks like a concrete wall to be under the water. The dock looks in parts to have been deepened. Or are they reclaiming land?

I want to know why they are doing it too. It must be cheaper to dredge the already existing dock then to dig out a channel and concrete it up.

[Waterways]

I want to know why they are doing it too. It must be cheaper to dredge the already existing dock then to dig out a channel and concrete it up.

Yep. Then sea going vessels can enter. But it looks like the dock from side to side has been deepened, not just where the concrete walls are.

The depths look deep enough for sea going vessels, not just canal boats.

[Ged]

Exactly. Where the canal link hit the Princes dock, why not just leave that part at full dock width/depth with berthing/mooring facilities alongside even. It was all already there at that point.

[Waterways]

Exactly. Where the canal link hit the Princes dock, why not just leave that part at full dock width/depth with berthing/mooring facilities alongside even. It was all already there at that point.

Princes half Tide Dock is to canal boat depths - only just been filled in. The river locks are inoperative and large vessels cannot enter the half tide dock to get into Princes Dock proper. So why have they deepened the dock at the Liver buildings end? Why go to all this expense of a deep under-dock canal lined with concrete walls?

Dredgers can't enter the docks so they can't be dredged. They can only be drained and excavated by road vehicles. They are landlocked.

[gregs dad]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3247/2476390340_be2818e1b6_o.jpg
All that work for a little concrete channel for narrow boats.
Pic from 2 days ago

[gregs dad]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2402/2475571365_e5cc2b082d_o.jpg
And looking the other way,that stagnant water is giving off a very powerful smell this weather

[Ged]

Why the boats just couldn't have used the full dock at that point in their journey I don't know.

[Waterways]

I can't quite figure out from the pics what they doing. It looks like it is to full dock depths.

[doorwaydave]

:)
Heres some photos i took at the weekend, in some places the canal tunnel now has its roof on. As you can see in the last photograph near the side of the 'Crowne Plaza' Hotel.

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll123/scousescally/DSC01166.jpg


http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll123/scousescally/DSC01167.jpg


http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll123/scousescally/DSC01168.jpg


http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll123/scousescally/DSC01169.jpg


http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll123/scousescally/DSC01171.jpg


http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll123/scousescally/DSC01172.jpg




:) :034:

[gregs dad]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3094/2511954240_9010249008_o.jpg
There is a liitle bit of good with the canal link .In the Waterloo Dock water levels have dropped and small islands are appearing making room for geese ,ducks,swans and various other birds to nest.Here`s a family of geese
going back to the dock after paddling in rain puddles all day today

[gregs dad]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2232/2511952040_6ac0cd5965_o.jpg
Beginner`s pool on Waterloo Dock wall

[gregs dad]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3268/2511955546_1447266643_o.jpg
Liverpool`s nature reserve?

[lindylou]

Fantastic pics :handclap: amazing how those birds stay around amidst the all the upheaval - so cute :)

[gregs dad]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3194/2514397172_fb127fcbdc_o.jpg

It looks like they are going to use the existing wall in Waterloo Dock in the link

[Ron Ham]

I can't quite figure out from the pics what they doing. It looks like it is to full dock depths.

:034:I think you can assume the developers want their pound of flesh & when they've built their piddling Canal they will infill the surrounding area with building structures ,further destroying any historical value of the dock system . Ron :disgust:

[Kev]

The views are brilliant, keep the updates coming!:handclap:

[Howie]

http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/assets/_files/cached/img/621x443.13333333333/may_08/pnw__1210780885_Leeds_Liv__Branch_to_Stanley_D.jpg
The original end of the canal at Stanley Dock in the north docks Icarus Photographic Services

Over the water

British Waterways and lead contractor Balfour Beatty are entering the final stages of work on the £20m, 1.4-mile extension to the Leeds-Liverpool canal.

Once finished, for the first time in over a century canal boats will be able to navigate the canal from its traditional conclusion at Stanley Dock straight into Pier Head and the heart of Liverpool.

British Waterways anticipates 4,500 boats will use the waterfront canal each year - that's one in six of the 27,000 boats on inland waterways in the UK. Commercial ships will also be able to navigate through the terminus at Stanley Dock and towards the Pier Head.

The public realm work at the Pier Head is due to be finished in June with the canal open in the autumn.

More (http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/over-the-water.html)...

[PhilipG]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3041/2569490241_1914287ce9_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3151/2569490175_e345b03be0_o.jpg

[Ged]

I can't see that being completed by the end of this month.

[Waterways]

Commercial ships will also be able to navigate through the terminus at Stanley Dock and towards the Pier Head.


Commercial ships? From Stanley Dock towards the Pier Head? How big are these ships? How far will they get?

Very vague indeed.

[gregs dad]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2045/2575323511_911072baee_o.jpghttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3106/2575324353_8a4dd2654a_o.jpg
This will be the last stretch of the canal before it enters the Stanley Dock
as you can see there is a bend as it leaves the Waterloo Dock
Taken 2 hours ago

[gregs dad]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3037/2668411078_c8f8bab5b3_o.jpg
The plateau in front of the Liver being relaid as the canal link nears completion

[gregs dad]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3208/2667720733_1e1b2e1814_o.jpghttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3143/2668539198_92a9fe7731_o.jpghttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3184/2668542364_ce83859755_o.jpghttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3284/2668545320_eb0cd1f7d3_o.jpghttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3061/2667723831_784c5b543b_o.jpghttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3199/2668546874_43e7cf40a9_o.jpg
Progress on the canal link from the Princes to the Waterloo Docks. As you can see they have removed the new bridge that spanned the Princes Dock
plus they are removing a lot of sets that led up to the bridge which have only been down a few years.
More old brick and stonework has been revealed.

[Max]

Hope It's nice when It's done.

Want to photograph the canal from Burscough.

[Kev]

IT HAS been a building site for more than a year and a massive engineering project. But come next spring, work on a multi-million pound revamp of Liverpool’s Pier Head to create a new canal link will have transformed the area into a visitor destination of international quality. Read (http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2008/07/25/king-edward-in-place-to-welcome-narrowboats-64375-21403585/)

[Max]

Next spring, well that sucks.:Smiliz_Kingz_PDT_13

[Howie]

Three tonnes of steel are missing link’s final piece
Aug 15 2008
by Richard Down, Liverpool Daily Post

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/article/20031701/2008/08/14/12280253.jpeg


STEEL gates weighing three tonnes each were lowered into a new £20m canal network around the Three Graces yesterday.

The massive flood gates at Mann Island are at the centre of British Waterways’ creation of the new Liverpool Canal Link.

For Charlie Wilsoncroft, senior project engineer at British Waterways, they herald a new future for Liverpool’s Pier Head.

For the first time in over a century, canal boats will be able to navigate the current 127-mile Leeds & Liverpool Canal straight into the heart of Liverpool.

Built by local engineering company Twinbridge, of Burscough, and fitted with paddles and winding gear by Stanley Ferry Workshop, of British Waterways, these doorways beckon a new future for Liverpool.

The separate lock gates have already been installed, and the first boats will pass through early next spring.

Mr Wilsoncroft said: “This whole area is going to be one of the top public realm spaces in the UK. When you look at the buildings around here, you’re looking at a World Heritage Site, so there are limits on what we can do and it’s important to match what’s already here.”

At five metres high, the flood gates are substantial bastions against the tides and floods, but were slotted into position to protect the lock yesterday like children’s toys.

A handsaw will be used to help gel the gates together.

Granite cladding will reach from the pavement down to water level, and ambient lights have been built into the structure.

A complex arrangement of paving has reworked the public space into a multi-level area where people can meet and relax.

Back down at canal level, Mr Wilsoncroft has had to come up with new solutions to ancient problems.

He said: “The Canning Dock wall is the oldest wall in the entire Liverpool dock, and is listed, so we’ve got a real task to make a sensitive transition.”

Several feet of solid earth lie at the head of the new canal structure, which will have to be broken through in the next few weeks to join the new canal to the rest of the system.

A large domed structure will jut into the dock.

“It’s artwork and a job for stone masons. The stone wall is a couple of hundred years old and being sandstone is friable, losing its strength,” the engineer explained.

“We want to be able to reuse as much of the original stone as possible, but there is a certain amount we’ll have to get rid of.”

Once the locks are flooded, it will be the final part of a new 11-mile stretch of canal opened up to the public.

Countryside Neptune LLP are now delivering the final part of the Canal Link project as part of their mixed use development, which comprises 376 apartments together with leisure, retail and commercial space set within high quality public realm.

Funding has been secured from the Northwest Regional Development Agency, Merseyside Objective One programme, English Partnerships, Peel Holdings and British Waterways.

Source: Liverpool Daily Post (http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2008/08/15/three-tonnes-of-steel-are-missing-link-s-final-piece-64375-21537706/)

[gregs dad]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3283/2827479895_17453b7e85_o.jpghttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3177/2828316860_6d31ba808b_o.jpg
Top pic is the excavation of an old road in Waterloo dock for the new canal link.
The other is a new road bridge over the link to replace the old road,and it looks like the train at the top of the road could be my train home

[gregs dad]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3183/2828669706_056017a766_o.jpg
A view the the canal users will see the building on the left is a converted old
dock warehouse ,the right is a modern residential site

[gregs dad]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3248/2833069260_077e104834_o.jpg
Canal passage from East Waterloo which goes under the new road bridge then on to the Trafalgar Dock

[Spike]

This is one of the things im looking forward too, this will be brilliant and worth the wait.

[Devo]

This is how it was looking yesterday when the QE2 was in for the last time.
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd256/devo_2004/canal1.jpg
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd256/devo_2004/canal2.jpg
That bend looks a bit tight for the Longboats though!

[danensis]

I think you mean narrowboats - unless we're expecting Viking invaders!

John

[Devo]

LOL!
now there's a thought :unibrow: The canal does go through Kirkdale :eek:

Still looks a bit bendy even for a Narrowboat, maybe or should i say "hopefully" it will be ok. Can't see them making such a big gaff but......

[Ged]

I wonder why it bends at all, unless it's for aesthetics.

[danensis]

Of course the Leeds and Liverpool canal was not built for the 70ft narrowboat of the midlands canals, but for the Leeds Shortboats, which were 56ft long and 14ft wide.

One of those would certainly make a mess of some of the plastic toys that some people sail on the canals these days.

John

[wsteve55]

I wonder why it bends at all, unless it's for aesthetics.

Why, has someone hurt themselves?:unibrow:

[potter]

I say, could you picture the longboats getting stuck on that bend and some of the helmets with the long horns getting stuck in the tunnels? Gosh that would be a sight. I think the Scousers would win that battle right off. ha ha:snf (41):

[buggedboy]

I think the the south side of the canal will be opening soon. They are erecting new barriers towards the river, suggesting they will be opening up the completed spaces.

http://www.aptb09.dsl.pipex.com/lcl_s.jpg

[Kev]

Oct 27 2008 (http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2008/10/27/) by Catherine Jones (http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/authors/catherine-jones/), Liverpool Echo

THE first phase of an ?8m scheme to revamp Liverpool?s World Heritage waterfront will be officially opened this week.

The Pier Head has been closed since December 2006.

From tomorrow, access will be reopened along new paved and landscaped areas in front of the Three Graces.

Two basins on the Leeds-Liverpool canal link to the Albert Dock will be filled with water.

It means for the first time in more than a century boats will be able to navigate the 127-mile canal into the heart of the city, although they will not be able to travel along the stretch of water until early in 2009.

[marky]

Last night:

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee262/south_liverpool/Keep_off_grass.jpg

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee262/south_liverpool/Canal_view_South.jpg

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee262/south_liverpool/Canal_view_North.jpg

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee262/south_liverpool/Canal_entrance.jpg

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee262/south_liverpool/wet_steps.jpg

SS Arandora Star Plaque. I hadn't seen this plaque before.
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee262/south_liverpool/SS_Arandora_Star_plaque.jpg

[gregs dad]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3276/3045908684_57082e1bf7_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3009/3045908364_45b8296178_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3065/3045073179_cca7854910_o.jpg
The area in front of the Liver Buildings as the canal link nears completion

[gregs dad]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3046/3052909973_ddc58e00ba_o.jpg
The last lock on the canal berfore it enters the Stanley Dock to continue to the Albert Dock.

[irishseashipping.com]

You can find some of my photos of the almost complete Prince's Dock lock chamber on the Irish Sea Shipping web site:

Canal Link Progress 2008 (http://www.irishseashipping.com/photofeatures/ports/canallink08/canallink08.htm#CanalNovember_22_08)

[Kev]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3104/3089202409_a2943ddd7e_b.jpg (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3104/3089202409_a2943ddd7e_b.jpg)

[danensis]

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee262/south_liverpool/Canal_view_South.jpg

I can just see George Formby in that hydraulic platform singing "When I'm cleaning windows".

[gregs dad]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3252/3110027585_ac86d261f5_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3054/3110027075_4266c4eace_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3054/3110026777_186c14347b_o.jpg
This is where the new canal link will be heading to and from the 4 lock area

[julieoapw]

As always, great shots, Gregs Dad!

[marky]

The rest of the Pier Head/canal section is open to the public (the part in front of the Liver Buildings). It's just a large, empty space at the moment.

[gregs dad]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3419/3208861357_4e8398937d_o.jpg
At last the water has been returned to the Princes Dock after completion of the canal link to the pierhead
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3477/3209708104_29db732cbb_o.jpg
Some of the gates of the canal link in the dock
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3494/3209707908_68036146f6_o.jpg
The channel where the narrow boats will enter the Princes Dock on their way to the Stanley dock

[Samp]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3419/3208861357_4e8398937d_o.jpg
At last the water has been returned to the Princes Dock after completion of the canal link to the pierhead
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3477/3209708104_29db732cbb_o.jpg
Some of the gates of the canal link in the dock
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3494/3209707908_68036146f6_o.jpg
The channel where the narrow boats will enter the Princes Dock on their way to the Stanley dock

Very good shots GD!

[gregs dad]

Thanks Samps

[Sean SE16]

I'm confused by the last photo. I'd assumed that the lock was to lower boats down from Princes Dock to go under the road/Isle of Man ferry check in area and then across the Pier Head (and then up again in another lock to get up to the Canning Dock level). The last photo looks as if it brings the boats UP from the Princes Dock level, or am I looking at it wrong?

Sean

[irishseashipping.com]

I'd assumed that the lock was to lower boats down from Princes Dock to go under the road/Isle of Man ferry check in area and then across the Pier Head (and then up again in another lock to get up to the Canning Dock level). Sean

You are correct Sean with your orriginal assumption.

I had taken a look at the lock a few weeks ago the lock does lower boats to pass under the road and IoMSPCo check in.


John

[gregs dad]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3076/3253901358_2f83486afc_o.jpg
The canal link as it leaves the East Waterloo dock. Last year the dock became a little wildlife haven with it`s little isletsfor the geese and oyster catchers to have their offspring but yesterday there was a bulldozer flattening the bottom of the dock.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3035/3251520870_5e1aabdfd1_o.jpg
The link towards the Stanley dock and the locks has a bit of water in it now
Photos taken yesterday from the new road bridge over the canal

[corky100]

Was down at the Front of the Liver building today.....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v497/corky100/tn_22.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v497/corky100/tn_24.jpg

[Max]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3076/3253901358_2f83486afc_o.jpg
The canal link as it leaves the East Waterloo dock. Last year the dock became a little wildlife haven with it`s little isletsfor the geese and oyster catchers to have their offspring but yesterday there was a bulldozer flattening the bottom of the dock.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3035/3251520870_5e1aabdfd1_o.jpg
The link towards the Stanley dock and the locks has a bit of water in it now
Photos taken yesterday from the new road bridge over the canal

Is It possible to reflect the clock tower In the canal water from any angles?

[gregs dad]

Is It possible to reflect the clock tower In the canal water from any angles?
The Collingwood Dock is about the only place you will get a decent reflection
see this post
http://www.yoliverpool.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8026&highlight=liverpool+reflections&page=7

[Kev]

THE finishing touches are being put to the Liverpool canal link which will breathe new life into Liverpool?s historic waterfront. Read (http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2009/02/19/liverpool-waterfront-canal-link-nears-completion-92534-22960727/)

[Norm NZ]

"I think it's starting to look fabulous"! Thanks to all for the links and pics. Cheers:PDT11

[gregs dad]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3236/3307331618_bf9e8abb47_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3391/3306499025_49dd0f556f_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3353/3306498689_68f9504e7d_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3594/3306498409_023ced871b_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3477/3307330536_4222e4639b_o.jpg
Very near completion now with the locks finished and Princes Dock filled in again. A bit disappionted though, see pic 3 rubbish, in the catchment water by the locks. It doesn`t bode well for summer when more people will be about. Looks like the council will have to have to employ canal cleaners as well as street cleaners.

[Norm NZ]

"Great Pics Joe" Much appreciated! and Yes! the rubbish could be a problem But Eh! I would'nt mind that job!, just give me a suitable boat and a catchnet, and I could travel up and down the waterway collecting rubish each day, and I'm sure I'd enjoy it!!!! (have to get me from NZ first of course) Cheers:PDT11

[Harry]

All this stuff's has been generated by the construction process and the workers. Its mostly bits of polystyrene and wrapings off building materials.
Could still do with being cleared out though.

[julieoapw]

Great pics one and all. I must get down there soon. My heart sank too when I saw all that rubbish in one of the photos. Nobody should be doing that.

[gregs dad]

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee283/exactavarex/P1060405.jpg
As you can see without the mesh the rubbish would be in places out of sight and hard to reach.

[Norm NZ]

"Too True" Joe, thank god for the guy who thought of putting up the mesh barriers!!:handclap:

[Devo]

Did anyone see 'fred the weatherman' on the box last night?
I missed it but was wondering if he actually went through the lock and tunnel's or was it just computer generated.

Great pics everyone! looks a lot better than the old bus station and that big grass square. Was down there one evening a few weeks ago and was sure i got a whiff of diesel or should that be a whiff of nostalgia.

[gregs dad]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3363/3314754374_916a7cbcd6_o.jpg
How about this for rubbish in the canal.Walking along the canal towards the pierhead today when I thought I saw a human leg sticking out from under this rubbish. On closer inspection it was a plastic bottle inside a sport shoe

[Norm NZ]

It certainly looked quite real!!! I think the duck thought so too!!! Good Pic Joe.:PDT11

[JMLE]

How about this for rubbish in the canal.Walking along the canal towards the pierhead today when I thought I saw a human leg sticking out from under this rubbish. On closer inspection it was a plastic bottle inside a sport shoe

Joe, you couldn't nip back and get that trainee could you? I've got the exact same pair on now and that one looks like it's in better nick than mine!

[corky100]

That trainer looks suspiciously like its still attached to the leg......:eek:

[gregs dad]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3374/3314753646_f7e49d469b_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3417/3314753948_dc91a57e00_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3601/3314754182_7338b27c42_o.jpg
The Salthouse dock is now ready to accomodate all the narrow boats that will be using the new canal link. There are power points,looking like parking meters all along the new jetties.
I think that you might get quite a few on special occasions but I can`t see very many on normal days.

[Waterways]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3601/3314754182_7338b27c42_o.jpg
The Salthouse dock is now ready to accomodate all the narrow boats that will be using the new canal link. There are power points,looking like parking meters all along the new jetties.
I think that you might get quite a few on special occasions but I can`t see very many on normal days.

In London, and elsewhere, they permanently moor up and provide homes for people. Not sure if they will allow that here. The best place for narrow boast is in excavated Toxteth and Harrigton Docks. Those quays should be reserved for visiting larger vessels.

It looks like the levels of the docks would need to maintained pretty constant. That means impounding the docks by pumping in river water.

[Ged]

Sunday evening.

http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/2377/canallinkevening.jpg (http://img264.imageshack.us/my.php?image=canallinkevening.jpg)
http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/canallinkevening.jpg/1/w800.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img264/canallinkevening.jpg/1/)



http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/9233/3gracescanalrealm.jpg (http://img216.imageshack.us/my.php?image=3gracescanalrealm.jpg)
http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/3gracescanalrealm.jpg/1/w800.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img216/3gracescanalrealm.jpg/1/)


.

[gregs dad]

Great pics Ged, but why aren`t you in bed it`s gone 6 o`clock

[Ged]

Thanks Joe. You're right, I fell asleep at the wheel on the way home and now write this from my laptop in the Royal.

[gregs dad]

Couple of my pics in the Daily Post`s article on the canal link today

[gregs dad]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3302/3344169103_c98f4a1785_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3554/3344168849_72d94b15b1_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3655/3344168567_c41ee71488_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3396/3345003248_c0ae83a41d_o.jpg
This is the end of the channel it is now entering the dock water
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3412/3344168009_074fe58ec0_o.jpg
Walked along the full length of the canal link today.They have recently locked the Waterloo entrance but as I was going passed it was open so I took advantage of it

[Ged]

Great pics. Any reason they've given the bargemen that tricky looking curve to negotiate when it looks like it could all have been straight?

[gregs dad]

Great pics. Any reason they've given the bargemen that tricky looking curve to negotiate when it looks like it could all have been straight?
I think its because the Trafalgar Dock is not in line with the Princes Dock and the wanted to make use of the wall that was already in place. They have finished the course of the canal as all the contractors have left this part, All it needs now is some landscaping and Peel to build some of their buildings on the vast area of waste land.

[Ged]

Cheers Joe. From an overview, it Just looks like they could have veered the canal to line up on a straight line given the length they had to play with. Great pics. :PDT11

[Waterways]

I think its because the Trafalgar Dock is not in line with the Princes Dock and the wanted to make use of the wall that was already in place. They have finished the course of the canal as all the contractors have left this part, All it needs now is some landscaping and Peel to build some of their buildings on the vast area of waste land.

They want to steal as much land as possible between the river wall and a East Waterloo Dock, filling in West Waterloo Dock. They can always infill into the river to gain land for a cruise liner terminal or whatever, so why infill the existing docks?

The pictures graphically illustrate the amazing levels of land acquisition by stealth that has been gradually implemented over the years. Most of that vast expanse of land seen was water space at one time - and too long ago either - with large ships, and small tugs and barges. Well all of it was originally water as all the docks apart from Stanley and a parts of Herculaneum were built onto the river.

Peel have all the land on the landside of the Dock Rd to build upon - the eyesore ramshackle little business there, which should be moved to purpose built business parks anyhow.

What they are doing is very wrong.

[gregs dad]

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee283/exactavarex/P1060583.jpg
This is where the boats will leave the canal into the Trafalgar then through the gap to the Salisbury then the Collingwood then under the road bridge to the Stanley then through the tunnel into the four locks then its homeward bound

[18stanley]

I've come a bit late to this thread and I'm rather perplexed. What is
the actual width of the Link - it doesn't look very wide to me, especially if it
becomes as popular as people are hoping it will be. And that bend - I share
Ged's puzzlement and apprehension! I think the project is certainly deserving
of praise but have forebodings about it if it turns out to be too successful for its
own good. What if a huge number of L&L boatowners decide to head for the
Pier Head on the opening day to admire it - and want to stay for a couple of
days?

Stan H.

[Waterways]

I've come a bit late to this thread and I'm rather perplexed. What is the actual width of the Link - it doesn't look very wide to me, especially if it becomes as popular as people are hoping it will be. And that bend - I share Ged's puzzlement and apprehension! I think the project is certainly deserving of praise but have forebodings about it if it turns out to be too successful for its own good. What if a huge number of L&L boatowners decide to head for the Pier Head on the opening day to admire it - and want to stay for a couple of days?

Another thought. Is the only way out for a canal boat to go back up the
Canal?

Some boats can do a rat run through the Brunswick or Canning river locks and across the river to the Manchester Ship Canal or down to Widnes and into the canal there. Not advisable with long narrow canal boats though - and many foolishly do it.

The canal does look too narrow. There is also a height restriction too. Larger boats can also go through the Langton river locks (expensive to pass through), down the river and into the Canning Dock river locks. MDHC want to seal off the docks at Wellington Dock completely to isolate the commercial section and the WHS, so this route may not be an option. This would mean the whole docks length from Brunswick to Seaforth cannot be navigated by craft.

[gregs dad]

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee283/exactavarex/P1060582-1.jpgI don`t think we need worry about loads of boats using it,only on the one weekend meet we have annually. Lets face it if you had a boat wouldn`t you rather be in the counryside tide up alongside a nice pub.
This is the view from the canal

[scouse smurf]

I don`t think we need worry about loads of boats using it,only on the one weekend meet we have annually. Lets face it if you had a boat wouldn`t you rather be in the counryside tide up alongside a nice pub.
This is the view from the canal

I'm sure not all of the canals in the countryside have a really nice view and imagine travelling past the liver buildings in the sun :) Although I just can't see alot of the boating brigade enjoying a drink in baby blue (no offence meant)

[Waterways]

I'm sure not all of the canals in the countryside have a really nice view and imagine travelling past the liver buildings in the sun :) Although I just can't see alot of the boating brigade enjoying a drink in baby blue (no offence meant)

It would be better if the canal was mainly dock water space, and was filled with deep water vessels of historic, visiting and tall ships. ships for small boast to sail through.

Instead we have an inland country boat canal where deep water vessels were. What a shambles. What an insult to the history and heritage of the city.

[gregs dad]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3564/3368652368_645bbc6e9e_o.jpghttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3462/3367827771_d30c929484_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3648/3367827541_a26b3eee4c_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3576/3367827247_715f2379bc_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3664/3367826937_379523ea8d_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3540/3367826601_77dc4e7610_o.jpg
Came across the British Waterway`s barge Aintree today laying marker bouys in the docks to show the boat people what course to take in the canal link,so I followed them to the Salthouse.

[Kev]

excellent Joe :handclap:

[Sean SE16]

Thats what's missing from the photo of the Princes Dock lock - a pub!

And you could get a pint whilst waiting to get on the Isle of Man ferry.

[18stanley]

That was a nice little cruise along the Canal Link you gave us there Joe -

you never seem to miss "la bonne occasion" and nearly always with good

weather too. Many thanks.

But I do still think they could have made it a little bit wider!
Stan H.

[Ged]

Joe is pic 4 a lock in order to change the water level, otherwise why narrow the passage from the original dock width?

[potter]

does anyone know when/what day it is officially open?

Great photos Joe.:PDT_Aliboronz_24:

[gregs dad]

Joe is pic 4 a lock in order to change the water level, otherwise why narrow the passage from the original dock width?

There was a couple of feet difference yesterday, Ged.
Regarding the official opening, talking to the lads on the barge Aintree, it`s next Tuesday 24th at the Salthouse Dock They also told me the bookings to use the link,which has to be done at Wigan, is full for the first few weeks.
There is a maximum limit of 2 weeks stay in the Salthouse.

[gregs dad]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3647/3369563813_6ef1ec43b5_o.jpg
This is my first pic yesterday,small bouys showing the passage for the boats in the Waterloo.The wall on the extreme right is where my brother and I used to do a lot of fishing in the Mersey
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3571/3370385876_fbdea91d66_o.jpg
After passing through Mann Island into the Canning Dock
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3574/3370385654_16eef53d2d_o.jpg
About to enter the half tide Canning Dock on the way to the Salthouse for an overnight stay

[Spike]

Cracking pics :handclap:

I am really made up with this Canal, I think it is the best idea Liverpool has come up with. The summer down there will be brilliant.

[Samp]

Great pictures GD!

( I think your after the lockkeepers job!)

[gregs dad]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3640/3382374195_eef57345bd_o.jpg
Liverbird coming out of Boundary St bridge
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3576/3382356097_1b3403f0dd_o.jpg
Arriving at the locks
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3447/3383172874_c50498447d_o.jpg
Through the Stanley Dock
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3639/3382354725_bb99ef03b0_o.jpg
Through the Salisbury and into the Trafalgar
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3561/3382354533_2de7580ca8_o.jpg
Into the channel heading for the Prince`s Dock
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3570/3383171550_8426592875_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3469/3382353529_d43905e599_o.jpg
"Made it Ma" Berthed in the Salthouse.They beat me there cause I`ve only got little legs

[Kev]

:handclap::handclap::handclap: Fan....bloody....tasic!!

[Kev]

Joe, what do u use for the vivid colours on your images?

[Kev]

Glad we at Yo! have been with this from start to end, cheers everyone: :handclap:

A ?22m project in Merseyside to link a city centre to the UK's 2,200 mile canal system is to open later.

The canal link, which is one and a half miles long, runs into Liverpool past historic sites including the Liver, Cunard and Port of Liverpool buildings.

Tourism leaders hope it will generate 200,000 extra visitors a year and be worth about ?1.9m to the local economy.

Boats will enter the city from the 127-mile long Leeds & Liverpool canal and travel into the heart of the city.

A spokesman for the city council said the new-look Pier Head area would be a "must-see destination",

Robin Evans, chief executive of British Waterways said the new stretch of canal was a boost to the renaissance of the nation's inland waterways.

He said: "Given that Britain's canal system was pretty much viewed as a lost cause, and was actively being filled in and maligned during the 20th Century, it's remarkable the way that the waterways have been reinvented for the 21st Century and that we're still building canals today."

Liverpool City Council leader Warren Bradley added: "The opening of the canal link is a significant day in the recent history of Liverpool.

"We want the new-look Pier Head to be a must-see destination for visitors to the city and the new canal will add life and vibrancy to our waterfront."

BBC Liverpool

[Kev]

I'm sure there will be plenty of business opportunities along the new stretch!

Any Echo sellers fancy a pitch? :PDT11

[Ged]

I like the 'corpy green' use on the 'Liverbird' reminds me of the Atlantean buses and our tenny stairwell. :)

[lindylou]

I like the first pic best with the Liver bird crest on the bridge :PDT11

Lovely pics. Thanks GD.

[gregs dad]

Joe, what do u use for the vivid colours on your images?
Kev,I upload all my pics from camera to the free Google "Picasa" site which has tools for sharpening,saturation and contrast plus many,many more.

P.S.there are now 122 pics on my flickr set of the canal link and counting
http://www.flickr.com/photos/exacta2a/sets/72157607249994929/

[gregs dad]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3605/3382373833_0404b86009_o.jpg
The first 2 of 6 to use the locks yesterday
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3560/3382355749_a90c59f495_o.jpg
Emerging out of the tunnel that connects the locks to Stanley Dock
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3554/3384323299_b2d1a1ebea_o.jpg
New neighbours for the swans in the salthouse Dock.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3581/3384323785_5e2f24fe13_o.jpg
Tickety Boo in the foreground with the Duck just ready to leave the Salthouse

[potter]

Thank you gd for your brilliant pics and dedication on bringing some very brilliant photos to us on Yo.

[Howie]

Official opening for Liverpool Pier Head canal link
Mar 25 2009
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo

THE ?22m project to link up city centre Liverpool to the UK?s 2,200 mile canal system was being officially opened today.

The new one-and-a-half mile long canal is expected to generate 200,000 extra visitors a year to the city?s docks, worth an estimated ?1.9m to the local economy.

Thousands of boats can travel to the heart of Liverpool along the 127-mile Leeds & Liverpool canal, passing city gems such as the Liver, Cunard and Port of Liverpool buildings.

Chief executive of British Waterways Robin Evans said the new stretch of canal was a boost to the renaissance of the nation?s inland waterways.

Mr Evans added: ?It?s remarkable the way that the waterways have been reinvented for the 21st century and that we?re still building canals today.?

Source: Liverpool Echo (http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2009/03/25/official-opening-for-liverpool-pier-head-canal-link-100252-23228211/)

[gregs dad]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3014/3388277500_6afce62c9b_o.jpg
The Liverbird just coming up to Tobacco Wharf ,the old British American tobacco factory.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3015/3388277110_be8c9aa959_o.jpg
Heading towards Boundary Bridge homeward bound
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3620/3387468929_f7d0a299d0_o.jpg
The Skylark in the Stanley locks homeward bound
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3158/3388276370_51b6e7ced5_o.jpg
Pride of Sefton in No 2 lock homeward bound
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3590/3388276072_ff35b93435_o.jpg
Locks finished with, the Pride of Sefton heads for the canal turn

[Colinone]

History in the making well done
Colin

[Kev]

Fabulous views Joe. What a unique way to view areas of our city! I need a boat!

[Norm NZ]

"Great Pictures! as usual Joe, Thanks.:PDT11

[18stanley]

Well said,Kev! I think quite a few folks viewing these pics are saying the same
thing. I think Joe must have already got one, judging by all the brilliant
photos we're getting. It's a wonderful show, it has to be said.
Stan H.

[Howie]

I need a boat!

You can get one from the Liverpool Boat Co Ltd (http://www.liverpoolboatco.co.uk/) - the largest canal boat builder in the UK. :)

[Max]

It would be cool if the pier head and canal and misty one time and the grim reaper came to the pool by boat to come for some souls.

[Max]

Love the canal, but i would be put off by the sights you have to see before getting to the Pier Head and Albert Dock.

[Kev]

You can get one from the Liverpool Boat Co Ltd (http://www.liverpoolboatco.co.uk/) - the largest canal boat builder in the UK. :)

Cheers Howie, I've just put a deposit down on a 58' Fully Fitted 2007 Crick Show Boat for delivery tomorrow, hope Mrs Kev doesn't mind :PDT11

[Kev]

http://www.penninewaterways.co.uk/liverpoolcanallink/opening.htm

[Waterways]

Only six boats a day in each direction will be allowed through the assisted sections. The main limiting factor will be the number of berths available on the mooring pontoons. If more boats were allowed through each day there would not be enough moorings available.

Boats will be able to moor at Salthouse Dock for up to 14 days. Water and electricity will be available on the pontoons. There will be no mooring charge.

[Kev]

They are gonna have to make more available. Simplez :PDT10

[gregs dad]

Well said,Kev! I think quite a few folks viewing these pics are saying the same
thing. I think Joe must have already got one, judging by all the brilliant
photos we're getting. It's a wonderful show, it has to be said.
Stan H.
No I`m afraid not, I have to rely on a train to Sandhills station,up the lane to Sandhills Bridge then walk the canal to the locks,then across to the mobile cafe outside the old tobacco warehouse for a cup of tea and a mars bar. Then through the dock gates if they are open, on to the Pierhead.

[gregs dad]

You can get one from the Liverpool Boat Co Ltd (http://www.liverpoolboatco.co.uk/) - the largest canal boat builder in the UK. :)
They are now Collingwood boat builders of Townsend St. Here`s a shell of a narrow boat in their yard.
http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee283/exactavarex/P1060397.jpg

[taffy]

Fabulous views Joe. What a unique way to view areas of our city! I need a boat!

I'm sure I saw some canal boats being made down Blackburne St in GARSTON, Kev. Perhaps they'll give you a discount for being local.

[ChrisGeorge]

"Great Pictures! as usual Joe, Thanks.:PDT11


Hear! Hear! :handclap:

Chris :PDT_Aliboronz_24:

[scouse smurf]

As cool as it is, does anyone else think there's a bit too much concrete ?

It reminds me of the water system in america u see used in movie car chases. Just having a quick look online, it could be the Owens Valley Aqueduct.

That's the only disappointment I've got with the canal link, they could have at least painted it lol

[gregs dad]

Why not buy a boat Kev, convert it to a canal bus and ferry our local neighbouring towns and villages into the heart of Liverpool One for a shopping spree. Remember some Manchester United fans travel to their home games on a Resturant barge.

[Kev]

Plenty of Stag Doos hire these narrow boats in Oxford and other places.

[Spike]

Love the canal, but i would be put off by the sights you have to see before getting to the Pier Head and Albert Dock.

Max it goes through Stanley Dock, massive history to see there.

Not sure if this has been posted?

http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/2009/02/26/first-trip-up=liverpool-s-canal-92534-23020367/

Worth a look :PDT11

[Spike]

Brilliant Photos Joe, Keep it up mate :handclap:

[Cyon]

It's a business waiting to happen. I'll haul me rowing boat down there tomorrow and taxi people a quid a mile!

[Max]

Max it goes through Stanley Dock, massive history to see there.

Not sure if this has been posted?

http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/2009/02/26/first-trip-up=liverpool-s-canal-92534-23020367/

Worth a look :PDT11

Yeah and Stanley dock looks rundown from most of North Liverpool.

[Kev]

That's an excellent video!

[gregs dad]

That was Fred the weather mans trip.Glad to see the professionals suffer with sun flare as well.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3447/3383172874_c50498447d_o.jpg
This one was postcard of the day in fridays Daily Post

[Max]

Some lens flare photos i can usually just clone or heal out but thats with a photo not a video.

[wsteve55]

As cool as it is, does anyone else think there's a bit too much concrete ?

It reminds me of the water system in america u see used in movie car chases. Just having a quick look online, it could be the Owens Valley Aqueduct.

That's the only disappointment I've got with the canal link, they could have at least painted it lol

Just give it time:unibrow:

[gregs dad]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3629/3433775345_4d902a933e_o.jpg
We can`t call this the end of the canal now,just before Burlington St
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3608/3433775061_1b93fa7dd8_o.jpg
Burlington St bridge where once the canal went under but now filled in and built on

[Kev]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3629/3433775345_4d902a933e_o.jpg
We can`t call this the end of the canal now,just before Burlington St
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3608/3433775061_1b93fa7dd8_o.jpg
Burlington St bridge where once the canal went under but now filled in and built on

See here (http://www.yoliverpool.com/forum/showpost.php?p=72659&postcount=5) for some pics of Burlington Bridge area.

[gregs dad]

Thanks Kev,I had seen them.
To think we swam in that water in the "Scaldies"
behind Tate`s so called because of the warm water entering the canal through factory pipes. People drowned surplus kittens and pups which were born and any cats and dogs which died of natural causes. They were put in a sack with a house brick and thrown off the nearest canal bridge.
If we wanted the water a bit cleaner we would catch a tram to Ford or Litherland because we thought that was countryside

[gregs dad]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3661/3452550178_b2f86f007f_o.jpg
Old Leeds & Liverpool canal bridge in Chisenhale St, built in 1802 it would have been the last bridge on the canal .The canal was filled in later on now buildings are on it.
The building on the left was once a pub anybody know it`s name?
Just found it`s name ,the Bridge Inn,known locally as the Fly House

[Kev]

Old Leeds & Liverpool canal bridge in Chisenhale St, built in 1802 it would have been the last bridge on the canal .The canal was filled in later on now buildings are on it.
The building on the left was once a pub anybody know it`s name?

Joe, I've posted pics of the area including an image of the bridge in 1802: Here (http://www.yoliverpool.com/forum/showthread.php?p=169128#post169128)

[gregs dad]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3620/3471590212_5b8094d1b7_o.jpg
Canal bridge at Netherton known as Swift`s Bridge
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3488/3467433975_c84384cb99_o.jpg
Murals on the walls of the Litherland Road bridge of wild flowers
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3561/3468247374_1a78db56dd_o.jpg
This is where the old electric lift bridge spanned the canal at Litherland
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3620/3467433777_74b48d6654_o.jpg
This is the old bridge keeper`s house at Litherland
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3663/3470774509_95cd7f40e2_o.jpg
The cross over bridge at Bootle used to change towpaths

[Kev]

wow thanks joe ! :handclap:

[scouse smurf]

God, u don't half get around ;)

Excellent pics, GD.

[gregs dad]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3345/3475436443_731893cb32_o.jpg
The Blue Anchor bridge at Aintree with my trusty steed leaning on the wall.
On top of this bridge was a popular viewing point on race days.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3621/3475436757_f62384d2e6_o.jpg
Swing bridge at Aintree, notice the large planks of wood on the right side of the canal these were used to block the canal off for repairs.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3417/3475436181_d346cf3532_o.jpg
Wally`s Steps at the Old Roan leading down to the canal.Anybody know who Wally was ?
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3546/3475435899_c00c6e7c0a_o.jpg
Trees at Aintree reflecting in the canal water

[Kev]

Thanks Joe :)

[phredd]

Gregs Dad Hi

Is picture number two that of the swing bridge at Wango Lane ?

Of course the bridge is new to when I knew it. In my young days it was wooden and opened by hand, none of this electrickery them days.

I was an inmate at the Cottage Homes in the 40s and I leaned to swim from the old wooden swing bridge.

As you walk down from Longmore Lane, turn right on the towpath of the canal the River Alt is on the right. Am I correct ? only memory is in its final years lol.

Them days it was all farm land but I see it is built up in places now.

Cheers for the memories.

Phredd

[gregs dad]

Yes phredd,it is the Wango Lane one. When it was the old wooden swing bridge the boat people operated the opening of it themselves,but I was told this week that it now requires British Waterways staff to operate it, so the opening has to be booked in advance. I suppose it`s them H & S laws
It was called Hancock`s Bridge but nobody seems to call it that now.
The Alt runs under the canal just before you reach the bridge.

[18stanley]

Hello again GD.

We used to take the no.20 tram to Aintree to get to the Canal in the 30's. Not
sure now whether we were near to it from the Terminus or whether we had
to walk on to the Old Roan. No sweat - we could walk for miles in those days,
mainly because we had to!
Is it my imagination, or has the general condition of the Canal deteriorated
since my day? My recollection is of carefully trimmed banks and overall
tidiness.
Incidentally, we used to get to places like Aintree - in the summer that is - with
special tickets giving 4 rides for a penny, thanks to the Corpy.Another
favourite was the no. 22 to Fazackerly where there was plenty of open
countryside and woodland. Is it still there or has it all been covered over?

Stan H.

[gregs dad]

Hi Stan,from Fazakerley the left hand side is still green with the Kirkby golf course, but the old bluebell woods, and the R A F camp is gone.

[taffy]

Interesting set of photos of the whole canal including the new section in Liverpool

http://www.penninewaterways.co.uk/liverpoolcanallink/link3.htm

[Howie]

Interesting set of photos of the whole canal including the new section in Liverpool

http://www.penninewaterways.co.uk/liverpoolcanallink/link3.htm

Excellent! I see from the PW website that there is already a list of 150 narrowboats waiting for the go ahead to make the passage into Liverpool. :handclap:

[Waterways]

Excellent! I see from the PW website that there is already a list of 150 narrowboats waiting for the go ahead to make the passage into Liverpool. :handclap:

Probably novelty value to ride the new canal. I would rather large sea going historic and tall ships enter those docks, not inland canal barges.

[gregs dad]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3565/3485117969_63a0bc384d_o.jpg
A plaque on the canal commerating the site were the old incinerator was in Bootle
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3341/3485118207_9a2fefed76_o.jpg
Another one on the wall of the dismantled rail bridge which brought coal into
the Linacre Rd gas works.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3566/3485932984_7796e4e019_o.jpg
One of the many bricked up entrances on the canal, to the Linacre Rd gasworks where coal was delivered from the barges, so they used rail and canal to supplythe gasworks
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3613/3485118565_f12a70910f_o.jpg
An old gas lamp post on the Litherland Rd bridge with a blackbird perched on top and gasometers in the background
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3404/3485933050_db276cff65_o.jpg
The plaque on Litherland Rd bridge,seems like everybody wanted their name on it.

[gregs dad]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3594/3494117887_39be9b9ff9_o.jpg
A few narrow boat visitors this weekend in the Salthouse
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3653/3494118525_12b79437e3_o.jpg
The Duck,a dragon boat,kayak,and narrow boats in the Salthouse dock

[Howie]

http://web.onetel.net.uk/~howardpaterson/uploads/SalthouseDock.jpg

[gregs dad]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3542/3512106849_8ce5e4aa4a_o.jpg
Bridge Number 0 in Bootle after this the rest of the bridges into Liverpool were given letters.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3649/3512887476_67dc68b377_o.jpg
From under Litherland bridge, the remnants of the old lift bridge can be seen by the staircase
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3617/3512887666_52c62bc40c_o.jpg
British Waterway`s employee painting over some graffiti on lock 4 at the Stanley Locks

[gregs dad]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2465/3545874665_82e2889121_o.jpg
All the world is at peace with this fisherman.
The canal at Bootle from a footbridge

[gregs dad]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3336/3638563287_54794fa9a0_o.jpg
looks like the link is being used more frequently now
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3584/3639373166_c1984ab629_o.jpg
I think I would have covered Chelsea`s name up in Liverpool
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3658/3638562485_9f7b5050a4_o.jpg
The Duck passes the narrow boats as it emerges from the Salthouse Dock

[Waterways]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2465/3545874665_82e2889121_o.jpg
All the world is at peace with this fisherman.
The canal at Bootle from a footbridge

Amazing. In Liverpool they put walls up to hide the canal. Elsewhere the open up to them.

[gregs dad]

Amazing. In Liverpool they put walls up to hide the canal. Elsewhere the open up to them.
I think the majority of walls were built when there was industrial buildings on the canal sides.

[Ged]

That's right because if you look at where they've built relatively recently alongside the canal, say at the Eldonian and Athol village, you can come straight out of your door onto canalside living.

[Waterways]

That's right because if you look at where they've built relatively recently alongside the canal, say at the Eldonian and Athol village, you can come straight out of your door onto canalside living.

If the canal is opened up there will be much more respect for it and canal boaters, who dread the rat run through Liverpool's north end, having to ride in convoy with security because of attacks by vandals and missiles.

Taking the walls down should be a priority, as everyone gains.

[wsteve55]

I remember that ,sometime in the early '90's,there were calls from local people,to fill that section of the canal in! This was due to a drowning accident,involving a young person/child! Well,of course,it didn't come to that,but the walls, etc, do restrict access to some degree,for some of the new housing,so from a health & safety point of view,that's probably why they are there,and why they'll stay!(There have been many ponds,and even lakes, filled in over the years,because of this)

[Ged]

Yes, it must be a bit frightening for parents of young ones who rightly allow them into the front garden but could easily wander off as the canal is literally yards from some of these houses. Also, the walls along by Bootle are perimeter walls of some private properties as there's still lots of industry along that way.

[gregs dad]

Many years ago you had to trespass by climbing over walls and gates to get on the tow path of the canal in Kirkdale and Vauxhall, Gates at the top of the stairs leading to the path were always locked up. but this didn`t stop the canal claiming childrens lives.We would get the tramcar to Ford and Litherland
parts of the canal, thinking it would be cleaner out in the country for swimming and fishing in our young minds.

[wsteve55]

I cant remember his name,( jim ?)but years ago,there was some guy who was famous for rescuing kid's from the canal,even learning them to swim! As photo's show, it was a well used facility!

[Howie]

Are you thinking of the Guyana-born swimmer James Clarke who saved the lives of many people who got into trouble in the River Mersey and Leeds-Liverpool canal? (See Jim Clarke 'A Local hero' (http://www.scottiepress.org/projects/jc1.htm)).

[gregs dad]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3652/3641878376_b524fcceb1_o.jpg
2 narrow boats leaving lock 4 at the Stanley locks
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3653/3641878088_c0cfcf2d17_o.jpg
entering lock 3
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3407/3641877332_fd18ab087c_o.jpg
Not a good choice of name considering the sinking of the submarine "Thetis" in the Liverpool Bay.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3333/3641068299_977df8c45f_o.jpg
Thetis leaving lock 3 with a Merseyrail train crossing the viaduct over the canal.
I was speaking to some of the owners of these boats who had been in Liverpool for a fortnight, and they said they had really enjoyed it.
I was surprised to learn all the facilities are free if you only stay 14 days, after that you have to pay.

[gregs dad]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3391/3644828998_05b2365df0_o.jpg
Plenty of geese with their young from Boundary St bridge and Athol St,also a lot of landscaping on the banks of the canal.

[Kev]

Fab pics Joe. I wouldn't know where to begin on the canal....

[Johnny Robbo]

I was surprised to learn all the facilities are free if you only stay 14 days, after that you have to pay.

Traffic was fairly quiet when the link first opened and I'm sure the free 14 days was intended to encourage its use. Judging by Joe's wonderful recent photos of the moorings it seems to be having the desired effect. I think the free offer will probably end once word speads about the facilities and demand increases.

[wsteve55]

Fantastic to see the canal in use! Who'd have thought it,just a few years ago!

[gregs dad]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3662/3674280491_12ae02f341_o.jpg
Will you get your boats out of our swimming pool?. Narrow boats in the Stanley locks interfering with the swimming

[Waterways]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3336/3638563287_54794fa9a0_o.jpg


I am uneasy with inland canal barges being moored in these docks. Deep water vessels should be here, as that is our heritage. Recall this is a World Heritage Site. Although a part of the history of the docks, these barges just do not fit in when few other types of vessels are around. They are inland waterway vessels.

Excavating Toxteth and Harrington Docks should be undertaken moving the companies on the estate to proper industrial and commercial units in suitable parts of the city. The excavated docks can act as overspills for flood prevention and moorings for these barges. The deep water vessels can then be accommodated in Canning and Salthouse docks.

[George]

I am uneasy with inland canal barges being moored in these docks.

You do know that these Canal barges erm! Narrow boats bring in a substantial mooring fee don't you?

[Waterways]

You do know that these Canal barges erm! Narrow boats bring in a substantial mooring fee don't you?

This is a typical Liverpool mentality. Grab the odd shilling while you can and who cares about heritage or history in a World Heritage Site? The money does go into the public coffers for our benefit, that is for sure. BTW, the first 14 days are free.

They are canal barges.

[George]

They are canal barges.

I hate using Wiki as the primary source but....

Although some narrow boats were built to a design based on river barges, it is incorrect to refer to a narrowboat (or narrow boat) as a barge. In the context of the British inland waterways, a barge is usually a much wider, cargo-carrying boat or a modern boat modeled on one, certainly more than 7 feet (2.1 m) wide.

It is also incorrect (or at least incongruous) to refer to a narrowboat as a longboat, although this name was sometimes used in the midlands in working-boat days.

[lindylou]

I am uneasy with inland canal barges being moored in these docks. Deep water vessels should be here, as that is our heritage. Recall this is a World Heritage Site. Although a part of the history of the docks, these barges just do not fit in when few other types of vessels are around. They are inland waterway vessels.

Excavating Toxteth and Harrington Docks should be undertaken moving the companies on the estate to proper industrial and commercial units in suitable parts of the city. The excavated docks can act as overspills for flood prevention and moorings for these barges. The deep water vessels can then be accommodated in Canning and Salthouse docks.

I don't like them being there. They don't look right no matter how colourful and pretty they are.

[George]

I don't like them being there. They don't look right no matter how colourful and pretty they are.

Its the way to go. :)

If I had the money I'd also be living on one...No Council tax,Mortgage,Road Tax, or any other taxes we get hammered with.

Ya can go anywhere on UK mainland that has the canal infastructure link and live within a comfortable lifestyle.

Call it ya modern day Gypsy. :)

[gregs dad]

I would rather see narrow boats in the Salthouse than nothing at all, As regards living on them very few owners do, using them like motorists use caravans to travel the country. I also think narrow boats and barges are very much a part of of our heritage, I can still remember the coal barges supplying our power stations in Liverpool

[Waterways]

Its the way to go. :)

If I had the money I'd also be living on one...No Council tax,Mortgage,Road Tax, or any other taxes we get hammered with.

Ya can go anywhere on UK mainland that has the canal infastructure link and live within a comfortable lifestyle.

Call it ya modern day Gypsy. :)

Speak to someone who permanently lives on one. They cost a fortune to heat in winter and many people suffer from rheumatic problems with the cold and damp. They cost to maintain and berth. There are few berths for them. They are cramped and only fit for a holiday.

[Waterways]

I would rather see narrow boats in the Salthouse than nothing at all,


That is a poor excuse. There is an alternative. There has been requests for deep water vessels to moor there: The Maxman, HMS Wimbrel, Many of the historic ship collection that had to shamefully be dispersed around the country, never to come back again. Those ships should be there, along with the odd sailing ship, not inland barges that really just do not fit in and look ridiculously out of place.

As I keep reminding people it is a World Heritage Site and site must be reinstated to as original as much as possible. Making a canal barge basin out of these historic docks is putting two fingers up to our maritime heritage.



As regards living on them very few owners do, using them like motorists use caravans to travel the country. I also think narrow boats and barges are very much a part of of our heritage, I can still remember the coal barges supplying our power stations in Liverpool

I am not saying they are not. The barges in Liverpool were wide barges mainly towed by tugs. They would string many together and travel from dock to dock or from Liverpool to Birkenhead. The odd canal barge, like thsoe in the picture would be about, however few and far between.

Having the whole of these docks as an inland canal barge basin is NOT a part of our heritage at all. British Waterways own the south docks and barges is all they understand. The stupid city council went along with it ignoring heritage and history, thinking they can own the pound or two.

The current council are a disgrace and the sooner they go the better.

[Waterways]

I don't like them being there. They don't look right no matter how colourful and pretty they are.

They are way down from the top of the quays and look totally out of place.

[gregs dad]

Come now, I think somebody has already pointed out they are not barges in the photos but narrow boats.
Regarding putting old ships and boats in the docks it didn`t work with the warships in Birkenhead.

[George]

Speak to someone who permanently lives on one. They cost a fortune to heat in winter and many people suffer from rheumatic problems with the cold and damp. They cost to maintain and berth. There are few berths for them. They are cramped and only fit for a holiday.

They're the ones without a brain ie invest in a log burning stove...it cost nothing to pick up wood on yer travels up and down the canal...wood that you can find anywhere and everywhere :rolleyes:

Cramped my harse...if ya is 6ft then its not the thing for you.

[Waterways]

They're the ones without a brain ie invest in a log burning stove...it cost nothing to pick up wood on yer travels up and down the canal...wood that you can find anywhere and everywhere :rolleyes:

Cramped my harse...if ya is 6ft then its not the thing for you.

I am just under 5' 11", so not for the averaged sized man.

[Waterways]

Come now, I think somebody has already pointed out they are not barges in the photos but narrow boats.
Regarding putting old ships and boats in the docks it didn`t work with the warships in Birkenhead.

They are barges. The term narrowboat is to make them more acceptable. They carried coal and cargo.

It did work in the East Float. They had to move as the area was being redeveloped. It was actually Wallasey the ships were in. Birkenhead/Wallasey is not Liverpool city centre which is a World Heritage Site and receives 1000s of tourists. The place the ships were at was not attractive at all.

Back to the prime point. The inland canal barges are out of place in deep water World Heritage Site city centre docks, precluding deep water ships. Look at what the WHS was awarded for. This is not in-keeping with the contract with the UN (UNESCO).

As I have stated, I think excavating Harrington and Toxteth Docks is ideal for these barges, leaving the prime city centre docks for historic and visiting deep water vessels.

I am not against them, they not suitable in the city centre WHS docks.

[gregs dad]

The term narrow boat has been around since the 18th century when they were made to navigate the locks and their beam could not exceed 7 foot anything over was a barge. Barges were used on rivers and docks and some canals nearly always being towed by horses or tugs.Narrow boats were used as public transport in some places such as the "Wigan Flyer" which plied the canals. In the early days they also carried mail.The modern ones we see now started about 1970`s with their steel hulls and fibreglass fittings

[wsteve55]

They're the ones without a brain ie invest in a log burning stove...it cost nothing to pick up wood on yer travels up and down the canal...wood that you can find anywhere and everywhere :rolleyes:

Cramped my harse...if ya is 6ft then its not the thing for you.

Ha,Ha,:handclap::nod:

[Waterways]

They're the ones without a brain ie invest in a log burning stove...it cost nothing to pick up wood on yer travels up and down the canal...wood that you can find anywhere and everywhere :rolleyes:

Cramped my harse...if ya is 6ft then its not the thing for you.

Burn wood inside a canal barge? That is looking for trouble and death.

[George]

Burn wood inside a canal barge? That is looking for trouble and death.

Taken from a Narrowboat enthusiast site...

Heating bills - well some coal perhaps. We use about two 25kg bags of coal per week (approx ?10) in winter. This cost can be reduced by burning wood (fallen trees / branches found on the cut), the cost being only a bit of sweat - personally I'm too lazy to bother.


Now if their burning coal on NB's do you reckon they make a fire in the floor of the boat. :rolleyes:
Having a log burning stove on a NB is no different than having one in a brick house.

[George]

http://www.stovesonline.co.uk/boat-barge-stove.html

http://www.naturalheating.co.uk/narrowboat-caravan-deluxe-p-596.html

[Howie]

http://web.onetel.net.uk/~howardpaterson/uploads/SD1.jpg

http://web.onetel.net.uk/~howardpaterson/uploads/SD2.jpg

[gregs dad]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4051/4304698420_3e2bd93027_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4012/4303953259_4e72c349e2_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4304697830_07957e9bba_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2800/4304697532_6cd5d6da71_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4058/4303952357_fa7177aeb4_o.jpg

Finally got out for a walk on the canal at Sandhills to town after all the bad weather then a pint in the Midland

[Kev]

Thanks for the updates Joe :)

[danensis]

OK, silly question, why is the canal closed?

[gregs dad]

There was no work going on that day, the only thing I can think of is possibly because of the locks being iced over and they haven`t got around to removing the fencing.

[gregs dad]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/4327322249_944e3bbb5f_o.jpg
Brewery Lane bridge at Melling
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4051/4328053956_13b3b5cfba_o.jpg
Turning point on the canal ,a bit overgrown at the moment at Melling
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4064/4328053652_b5c9bcb6b5_o.jpg
A lonely walk on the canal at Melling
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2683/4328053318_d1f1771dfc_o.jpg
Holme`s bridge at Melling
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4034/4327321135_cb6c43ca59_o.jpg
New houses on the site of the old B I cables factory at Aintree
Took these on saturday before the snow.

[pablo42]

Nice one Joe.

[Samsette]

Outstanding pictures and a valuable contribution to Yo. They certainly keep me coming back.

[Debra]

Beautiful pictures of the canal , thank you for posting these .

[Diane Louise]

Stunning pictures Joe!

[Ron Ham]

You never disappoint me with the quality Of your pics Joe , Thank you ! I had a boat in my youth which I took on the canal you showed ,very nostalgic memories . Ron , N.Z.

[Max]

The canal gets better the more north you go!:PDT_Aliboronz_24:

[gregs dad]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2768/4341726964_bc6eef6ac2_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2683/4340984817_56611c767c_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4001/4341726152_dc230f05a4_o.jpg
So that `s what the fencing was for they were working on the locks today, Some of the basins still had enough water for the ducks.

[gregs dad]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2763/4359428851_ee28a85812_o.jpg
Looking along the canal in the Clarence to the Waterloo dock
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4042/4360167310_907dacf2ed_o.jpg
The canal turn before the Waterloo dock

[pablo42]

Nice one Joe.

[Ron Ham]

Initially I was sickened by what they were doing to my old tramping ground in that area ,but it is beginning to grow on me ,sadly the next generation will never be able to conceive what it was like originally or the historical ambience that existed previously when I & my grandfather worked & sailed from those docks or the thousands of migrants that boarded vessels in the Waterloo Dock to leave for a better life in the colonies . Ron