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Canals are an often-forgotten part of Britain’s growth during the industrial revolution.
The man-made waterways allowed the goods produced in the factories of Yorkshire, Lancashire and the Midlands to be transported easily to ships, ready to be sold around the globe.
Such was their importance, that Britain invested heavily in them, producing miles upon miles of them across the country as factories grew and the country developed.
Fans of hit TV show Peaky Blinders might have noticed the prominence of canals in the show’s backdrop and no wonder, given that Birmingham has a staggering 35 miles of canals – more than Venice.
As industries such as steel and cotton declined in the post war era, the importance of canals to the British economy dwindled, as roads became the primary means of moving goods, industries moved overseas, and the country looked to other areas to generate wealth.
But in recent years, canals have seen a resurgence, not only in use but in the surrounding areas.
Their historical importance has seen them become an attractive landmark around which surrounding buildings have been regenerated to provide buyers with a novel quirk to a property or workplace.
Birmingham like many other cities has invested millions into rejuvenating the dilapidated former factories and storehouses around its city’s canals.
Birmingham’s canal network, which runs through the heart of the city, has been transformed in recent years into a bustling, popular area full of bars, cafes, flats and offices.
Whereas throughout the eighties, the run-down areas was more likely to see crime than clubbing, the revamped canal network now boasts colourful boats and historic canal architecture sit side-by-side with vibrant modern restaurants, cafes and bars.
More than that, they provide activity for young people, giving them an outlet at a time when so many have been lost.
There are schemes to allow young people to develop their STEM learning, cycling routes, street art, paddle sports and more.
The rejuvenation of canals such as Birmingham shows the possibilities of investment in Britain’s heritage and readapting it to the modern day.
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