St Joseph and the Canal & River Trust have unveiled a regenerated stretch of canal wall at Snow Hill Wharf in Birmingham's historic Gun Quarter.
This 1.87-acre former goods yard is now being redeveloped to provide more than 400 high quality homes, alongside beautifully landscaped podium gardens overlooking the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal.
After many years of labour and industry the site's 180 metre stretch of canal wall had fallen into disrepair and had to be completely rebuilt. It now offers an improved travelling experience for those passing by on boat or foot and represents another step forward in the wider regeneration of the city's waterways.
St Joseph is also investing in the towpath on the opposite bank to Snow Hill Wharf and launching an ongoing management regime to enhance the area as an attractive walking route.
With Birmingham boasting more canals than Venice, these historic watercourses are a vital part of the city's identity, with their maintenance and revival a crucial focus for the Canal & River Trust.
St Joseph's work arrives at an important time for the city's canal network, with the Birmingham Canal Navigation set to celebrate its 250th birthday in November.
Shomsur Khan, Senior Works Engineer at the Canal & River Trust, said:
"Research shows that being next to water makes you happier and healthier and this St Joseph development, which is located alongside the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal, will help regenerate this part of the city.
"Living in urban areas, it's important local people have easy access to green spaces. With over 100 miles of canals flowing through Birmingham, our waterways are perfectly placed to escape the hustle and bustle and provide safe, traffic-free walking and cycling routes in and around the city."
Ashley Kensington, Managing Director at St Joseph, added:
"The canals are at the heart of Birmingham's infrastructure and we are committed to ensuring continual improvements on our waterside developments.
"Lending our support to the excellent work of the Canal & River Trust is a key priority for St Joseph. The organisation works endlessly to ensure the safety and maintenance of the canals. This is of the utmost importance to us on the Snow Hill Wharf site, but also for the community we create at Eastside Locks when we begin work there next year."