Navigating the waterways: canals for night and day

Can we unlock the potential of our waterways and still protect their heritage and ecology? 

The 200-year-old canal system offers some of the most complex development opportunities in the UK. Home to established communities and diverse wildlife, canals also serve as a major network of multi-functional infrastructure. 

A flourishing canal system offers economic, social and environmental benefits. However, many sections of the country’s canal system are currently underperforming. Limited public access, neglected maintenance and concerns about anti-social behaviour all lead to low footfall. Even the most vibrant spaces during the day are deserted at night and many communities are unable to reap the rewards available from a thriving canal life.

Canals have obvious appeal to developers for their historic building stock, easy connections to city centres and waterside views. Regeneration of run-down waterways requires a cooperative approach from policy makers, designers, conservationists and developers.

How can canal-side developments balance the needs of the existing community whilst regenerating an area? What is the role of architects and designers in generating canals that thrive both day and night?

Join the conversation and hear how built environment and policy experts are navigating the waterways at this evening of presentations and panel discussion. 

Speakers include:
- Marcus Chaloner, National Design Team Manager at the Canal & River Trust

- Effie Kuan, Design Partner at Farrells and member of the team that developed the myKanaal concept

- Henry Kennedy-Skipton, Head of Regeneration at Ealing Council

- Serena Horgan, Senior Regeneration Manager, Catalyst Housing

Chair: Lewis Blackwell, executive director of strategy and development at The Built Environment Trust

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This event is organised by The Built Environment Trust and is part of the Night Time Is The Right Time exhibition. 

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