Representatives from the Wilts and Berks Canal Trust joined the Wichelstowe Joint Venture team to witness the significant progress made on the latest stretch of canal under construction.
Work on a new 500-metre section between Foxham Way and Mill Lane started in May. The development has since reached an exciting milestone, with the first section of the canal now filled with water and work on the bank protection and landscaping underway.
An essential step in the process was ensuring the canal is watertight which was achieved by applying a waterproof lining made of puddled clay. Fortunately, Wichelstowe has an ample local supply of clay which has allowed much of the lining to be completed using on-site materials.
The build hasn’t been without its challenges as Daniel Pavely, project director-Wichelstowe, explains: “Works were heavily weather dependent and while we’ve been grateful for the rain to fill the canal, if weather was too hot or excessively wet during the build, there was a risk it could compromise the application of the clay lining. The rainfall this Autumn did precisely this – the canal filled prematurely before we had fully installed the lining which meant we had to pump the water out and restart the work.
“I’m so pleased we’ve successfully overcome these obstacles and we’re able to mark yet another significant step forward in creating a unique waterside living and recreational environment in Wichelstowe.”
As winter approaches, the project will pause temporarily before restarting in Spring 2025. At that point, work will focus on completing the remaining lining, surfacing the towpath and installing the landscaping, with plants that are currently being nurtured in a nursery. Work will then continue over the next few years to extend the canal west by 500m to join up the East Wichel section of canal with the District Centre. This phase will involve complex engineering work, including passing beneath a new road and the existing Mill Lane, along with the installation of a pedestrian canal crossing.
Chloe Ford, Swindon Branch Chair from the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust, added:“To see this next phase of canal being built is a wonderful moment in time for both the Trust and the whole community. It is a craft building a canal corridor and credit to all involved, this is a super achievement of hard work well done. We look forward to the future joining of the sections.”
The next phase of Wichel Fields will feature a vibrant new residential area, including three-storey homes and apartments with canal-front views, enhancing the development’s appeal.
The Wichelstowe development is being built by Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes in partnership with Swindon Borough Council which will deliver 3,000 new homes along with new schools and community facilities over 20 years. The 250-hectare site on the southern edge of Swindon will include extensive open spaces, nature conservation areas, playing pitches and allotments.
As part of this neighbourhood residents can enjoy 12km of new nature trails, play areas, 200 acres of open space and walks along the Wilts and Berks canal. There’s also a range of schools for children of all ages within easy reach. Junction 16 of the M4 and Swindon train station are both within a ten-minute drive, providing easy access to Bristol and London.
Barratt David Wilson Homes South West will launch a new phase at Canalside in early 2025 and potential buyers can register at www.dwh.co.uk soon while Barratt Homes Bristol will soon unveil a new phase at Wichel Fields. For more information visit www.barratthomes.co.uk.
More details about other new homes at Wichelstowe can be found at Orchards Rise or Orchards View.
Fox (Owmby) Ltd are the civil engineers and earthworks contractors on the canal project.
