The Chesterfield Canal Partnership believes that there is a strong case for reinstatement of the canal as a catalyst for economic regeneration. Several independent studies indicate that the restoration will:
- Create short term construction employment and stimulate the local economy as the canal is restored.
- Create significant sustainable employment both directly on the canal and in the wider local economy. The original canal line alone would support a total of around 1050 long term full-time equivalent jobs. With the addition of the Rother Valley Link the total would rise to around 1200 jobs.
- Help the leisure and tourism economy to grow, especially in areas which are not traditional tourist destinations. It is estimated that restoration would generate an annual visitor spend of between £3.1 million (without Rother Valley Link) and £3.7 million (with Rother Valley Link).
- Promote imaginative schemes for commercial and domestic building on brownfield sites adjacent to the canal. Waterside locations are attractive for investors and add value to land and property. On other waterways, uplifts in land and property values of between 15 and 30 % have been recorded.
- Change external perceptions of an area leading to greater developer confidence and increased inward investment.
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Abandoned Shireoaks Colliery basin circa 1970
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Shireoaks Colliery basin reborn as Shireoaks Marina
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