More than 130 jobs could be created if ambitious plans to restore a disused canal go ahead.

An economic impact report commissioned by groups aiming to reopen the Burslem Branch Canal says the project would create 133 jobs, 270 canalside homes and attract 6,500 extra visitors per year.

The new report says it could attract inward investment of £16m, generating nearly 300 temporary construction jobs.

The long-term strategic action plan, written by Peter Brett Associates, also says the project, which could cost around £5m, will deliver:

  • a restored canal arm;
  • a mooring basin for boats;
  • recreation facilities, including a children’s play area, cycle hire and nature walks;
  • outdoor sporting activities beside the canal, including fishing, cycling, canoeing and paddle boarding;
  • and ‘attractive’ waterside living in the Slater Street area.

The report follows news Stoke-on-Trent City Council has given £45,000 towards the imminent first stage of the project – a restored footpath – from its community investment fund. The Canal & River Trust (CRT) has added £5,000 of its own.

Roger Savage, Burslem Port Trust chairman, said: “This month marks a really exciting step change in plans to restore the canal. This short canal arm has been closed since 1961 when a breach occurred near its junction with the mainline Trent and Mersey Canal. This new report confirms there is sound economic benefit for investing in the restoration of the canal.”

Burslem Branch Canal as it looks today
Burslem Branch Canal as it looks today

The Burslem Port branch canal served the Mother Town from 1805 until its closure in 1961.

It ran for around three-eighths of a mile between its junction with the Trent and Mersey Canal, near Newport Lane, and Furlong Mills.

David Frost, chairman of Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “It is great to see this important piece of Stoke-on-Trent’s industrial heritage being brought back to life.

“It will be a valuable addition to the growing range of tourism, cultural and leisure destinations developing in and around the city, and will also contribute to our wider plans to regenerate Etruria Valley.”

The city council and CRT are working on an area-wide £1.5 million project to improve canals. Around 6,000 people a year use the Trent and Mersey Canal, while 5,000 use the Caldon Canal.

CRT enterprise manager Simon Papprill said: “We know people feel happier and healthier by water, so this regeneration would bring significant benefits for residents.”

The first stage of the project is a half-mile all-weather footpath, following the line of the former canal towpath.

Anyone who wants to get involved can attend a meeting at Middleport Pottery today from 10am to noon.