COVENTRY’s Canal Basin is to be improved to allow residents and visitors to explore one of the city’s ‘hidden gems’, the council says.
The Canal Basin in the city centre was discussed at a Coventry City Council cabinet meeting yesterday (July 17) which rubber-stamped a partnership with the Canal and River Trust to enhance the basin and canal waterways in the run up to UK City of Culture 2021.
The council’s Business, Economy and Enterprise Scrutiny Board proposed a number of recommendations for the Canal Basin to reach its full potential as a cultural hub and visitor attraction.
A strategy to preserve existing cultural assets and art work was proposed as well as improving signage to make access to the canal much easier.
Discussions have also taken place for more cafes, bars and other tourist attractions to be placed on the canal to encourage use.
Coun John McNicholas, chair of the Business, Economy and Enterprise Scrutiny Board, said: “The canal and Canal Basin are brilliant assets to the city, and it’s important that we continue to work together with partners in order to sustain its future.
“The canal is a wonderful space for nature running right through the city and the Canal Basin is already host to a range of great cultural assets such as the Tin Music and Arts, as well as a number of artworks.
“We want to build on this as we approach such a pivotal time for the city and see the Canal Basin really thrive and be well used by Coventry residents and visitors.”
“There are really simple things that can be done to improve the Canal Basin, including better signage to the area and the removal of the wall on the junction of Saint Nicholas Street and Leicester Row.
“This will help people get in to the Canal Basin and explore this hidden gem.”
The council and the trust say they will conduct a full review of the Canal Basins’s use to create a clear vision a for improvements.
Peter Mathews, chair of the Canal and River Trust’s West Midlands Advisory Board, said: “The Coventry canal and Canal Basin have the potential to really enhance the lives of people living and working in the city.
“As a charity we know that spending time by the water can help us feel happier, more relaxed and increase our sense of wellbeing so to have these amazing waterways on our doorstep is fantastic.
“We’re looking forward to working with Coventry City Council to improve the city’s waterways and make them more accessible so that more people can experience the benefits of spending time by the water.”
