Maidenhead Waterways

Maidenhead Waterways Restoration Group was formed in 2007 with the aim to restore to a navigable standard the former waterways that run through Maidenhead town centre, alongside the main river Thames, which lies two-thirds of a mile to the east.  The existing channels are derelict and partly dry-up completely in summer.  The Group arranged a technical feasibility by Black & Veatch, and a provisional design has been established, with two locks and weirs used to raise and retain water levels in the town centre, allowing smaller boats into a natural town centre ‘ring’ with day mooring and turning circles. 

Other works needed include the removal of stream obstructions, cutting back overgrowth and dredging to deepen the channel.  Existing planned bridge rebuilds incorporate increased headroom and will increase maximum height of boats able to use the channel. The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead has backed the plans and a waterway plan is being embedded in new Town Centre Action plan for Maidenhead regeneration.  £1 million of Section 106 developer funding has been earmarked for the waterways project, and the Group hopes that more may be possible over time.  The scheme, covering Bray Marina to the town centre, is expected to cost between £8 to 10 million.