In recent years British Waterways Scotland has reversed years of neglect and revitalised the canals of Scotland, transforming them into important national assets.
Spring 2009
Its strategy is to continue to develop the canals of Scotland into a thriving leisure resource for its people and visitors, bringing benefits to the communities through which they run. Part of this strategy is to realise the outstanding potential of Scotland’s canals for regeneration. British Waterways Scotland’s regeneration plans incorporate seven major sites including:
- Development of Muirtown Basin on the Caledonian Canal at Inverness
- Regeneration of Ardrishaig village on the Crinan Canal to create a new waterfront area
- Further development Edinburgh Quay on the Union Canal
- Major regeneration project at Maryhill Locks on the Forth & Clyde Canal
- Proposal to create the Lomond Canal Link, joining Loch Lomond with the Forth & Clyde Canal to provide flood prevention and regenerate the Strathleven area in partnership with West Dunbartonshire Council
British Waterways Scotland has appointed Katie Hughes as Head of Regeneration and Development to lead, or lead BWS interests in, these substantial regeneration projects across the country. In addition, Katie will work on smaller regeneration and development projects, such as the creation of new canalside residential property on BWS land, identifying redevelopment potential across the network, and seeking new commercial opportunities from within the existing property portfolio.
Steve Dunlop, Director of British Waterways Scotland said: "With an estate currently worth around £30m and over 250 commercial properties on the books at the moment, we needed the best talent to drive forward an incredibly diverse set of projects. I am delighted to welcome Katie Hughes to British Waterways Scotland and look forward to working closely with her to deliver the ambitions of both British Waterways and The Scottish Government."
Katie comes to British Waterways Scotland from a background in property fund management, latterly in Australia, where she managed a global fund of $2.3bn assets in Australia, Europe and the US for Allco Finance Group. Previous to this role, Katie held senior property development positions at Deutsche Bank and Gazeley Properties Ltd.
She said: "In recognition that waterside development can be a catalyst for regeneration, British Waterways Scotland is leading the way with a mix of large and small projects - all visionary, sustainable and user led. Some are further forward than others, and I look forward to getting my teeth into the exciting projects that are already on the go, as well as getting in right at the beginning of many of the more substantial developments, some of which are still at the ideas stage. My attendance at MIPIM was an ideal opportunity to showcase the many opportunities available for investors in our portfolio.”
For more information, download our leaflet about how Scotland’s Canals can represent a regeneration investment opportunity