THE Grand Union Canal is now being used as an innovative transport route for the 88-acre Southall Waterside regeneration project.

Major deliveries are arriving by barge, which is dramatically reducing the project’s impact on the roads.

Up to eight barges reach the site each day, saving approx 29,000 road miles per year –the equivalent to 35 round trips from London to Edinburgh and reducing the site’s carbon footprint.

The project will also restore the public towpath, enabling easier pedestrian and cycle use beside the canal.

Southall Waterside will be one of London’s largest regeneration projects, creating homes for nearly 10,000 people alongside a new business and leisure hub, community buildings, and 40 acres of public open space including two new parks.

The former gasworks site has already required two years of infrastructure work. 

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The first new homes will be delivered this year, comprising 186 affordable homes, 120 of which are for affordable rent with the remaining 66 for shared ownership.

Working in partnership with the Canal and River Trust, Southall Waterside will offer alternative cycle routes to alleviate pressure on the Regents Canal towpath.

Damian Leydon, Operations Director, Southall Waterside, said: “Using this part of the canal is taking the equivalent of 6,000 vehicles off local roads.

“We’ve been able to reduce the impact on the community, and keep the delivery of homes on track.

“We’re also one step closer to creating a lasting legacy, which will have benefits for its future residents and local people, thanks to new walking and cycling routes.”