A significant milestone has been reached in the development of the Wichelstowe canal, as work progresses on a 500-metre section between Foxham Way and Mill Lane. Representatives from the Wilts and Berks Canal Trust joined the Wichelstowe Joint Venture team in November to mark the exciting achievement of filling the first stretch of the canal with water.
Construction on this new section began in May, with work progressing steadily despite some weather-related challenges. The first stage of the canal is now watertight, thanks to a waterproof lining made of puddled clay, sourced from the local area. This has been an essential part of the project, ensuring that the canal remains sealed, ready for water to flow through.
Daniel Pavely, Project Director at Wichelstowe, commented on the project’s progress: “We’ve faced a few setbacks, mainly due to weather conditions. While we’ve appreciated the rainfall to fill the canal, it also meant the water arrived before we could complete the clay lining. We had to pump the water out and restart the process, but now we’ve overcome that hurdle, we’re moving forward with confidence.”
As winter sets in, the project will pause temporarily, with work resuming in Spring 2025. The next phase will focus on finishing the remaining lining, surfacing the towpath, and adding the landscaping, with plants currently being nurtured in a nursery.
The canal will ultimately be extended by another 500 metres, linking the East Wichel section with the District Centre. This complex phase will involve passing beneath a new road and Mill Lane, as well as installing a pedestrian canal crossing.
Chloe Ford, Swindon Branch Chair from the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust, praised the progress: “Seeing this phase of the canal take shape is a wonderful moment for the Trust and the community. It’s been an achievement built on hard work, and we look forward to seeing the completed canal come together.”
This new section is part of the wider Wichelstowe development, which will deliver 3,000 new homes over the next 20 years, along with schools, community facilities, nature trails, and extensive green spaces. The development promises to transform the southern edge of Swindon into a vibrant, waterside community with canal-front views and easy access to local amenities, including schools and transport links.
