‘Huge step forward’ for waterways project
Maidhead: Crucial part of York Stream is restored, allowing sections to join up
The York Stream underwent important work on Friday – turning the ‘barren, unstable little stream’ into an ‘attractive’ continuous section of the waterway.
A new water basin was filled on the Chapel Arches (North) development last week, joining up the stream.
Since 2018, the watercourse has continued to run but has been concealed in a large black pipe that has protected both the construction area and the wildlife.
This has allowed Shanly Homes to widen, deepen and reinforce the stream bed while fabricating underground parking for its new apartments.
The waterway regeneration project creates a waterside accommodation for residents at The Picture House and
Chapel Wharf.
To join up the stream, the basin was cleared out and
filled with water, which reaches about 1.3m deep.
The waterways can now be travelled all the way through from the new weir to Chapel Arches by wildlife and small boats, enabling public enjoyment of water pursuits.
Friends of Maidenhead Waterways member Nicola Stingelin was the first canoeist to paddle through into the new water basin, moments after it was filled.
Richard Davenport, chairman of the trustees, said this was ‘a huge step forward’
for the waterways and town regeneration.
The newly filled basin replaces a ‘barren, overgrown, unstable little stream, where wildlife couldn’t prosper.’
“Now we have a continuous waterway, the wildlife, the fish and waterfowl can travel right the way through,” he said.
“Suddenly it looks like it will be quite attractive,” said Richard.
Councillor Donna Stimson, the Royal Borough’s lead member for climate change,
sustainability, parks and countryside, said:
“I am a fan of the Maidenhead waterway project. It is starting to create a vibrant new community, and has allowed wildlife to return with swans, herons and a resident kingfisher spotted once again in the heart of the town.
“As we look to the future I want to encourage residents and businesses alike to continue to help keep this wonderful waterway flowing and vibrant for all of us, and to continue to expand it.”