The Benefits of the Melksham Link

Coming into focus this week is the independent consultants' study that we commissioned into the economic and tourism benefits of the Melksham Link.  We always felt that the link would give a boost to the regeneration of the town, but we needed confirmation of this.  With others we commissioned AMEC Environment & Infrastructure UK Limited to carry out an independent assessment.  We have received their report, and are beginning to publicise it.

We are hoping to create 5 kilometres of navigable waterway to include new locks, bridges, a towpath and cycleway, together with visitor mooring, landscaping, environmental improvements and even a hydro-electric power scheme.

The AMEC assessment is that the building of the Link will have benefits in both the short and long term.  During construction there will be up to 250 jobs, with local employment and training opportunities.  

Depending on the assumptions about how much traffic that will come off the Kennet and Avon Canal to Melksham, the direct visitor spend could be between £0.75million and £2.7 million per year, creating 20 to 75 new full-time jobs.  These jobs would in turn inject a further £0.5 to ££1.7 million into the local economy.

The canal will be linked to residential and commercial development in the town.  AMEC estimated that there would be 620 additional residential units, and 6,250 square metres of retail floorspace.  Since Melksham is considering its housing development in any event, these new houses could fit very well into the plans for the town.  And of course there would be the well-known positive effect on property values from the 'waterside premium'.

Overall, from both tourism and regeneration, there could be up to 430 net additional jobs.  There would be an injection of up to £7.5 million per year into the local economy, equivalent to £55 million over ten years at present values.

So, an excellent story for the positive results of the canal restoration.  However we are not there yet of course!  The stage we have reached is that we have submitted an application for  planning permission, and are working our way the questions that have been raised about the project as part of that process.  We are hoping to clear all of that within this year.  There is also a lot of work to do bringing together all the interested parties in the development side of the equation, but this new assessment clearly shows how it could transform the fortunes of the entire town.

While the report is devoted mainly to the economic impact, it also describes some of the social and environmental benefits.  Not only would we be offering a new amenity for boaters, canoeists, walkers, runners, cyclists and anglers, but also a new wildlife corridor with wetland areas and hedgerows which would offset their national decline in recent years, proving new habitats for otters, water voles and kingfishers.

Such a safe and scenic route between local towns and villages would also reduce the number of local car journeys and encourage more active and healthy lifestyles.

Everyone benefits.

Chris Coyle