Construction Begins on the Missing Mile – major milestone for the Cotswold Canals restoration

After six years of planning, design and preparation, construction has officially begun on the Missing Mile Project – a landmark stage in reconnecting the historic Cotswold Canals to the national inland waterway network.

The project, which is supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, marks the start of construction on one of the final missing links between the restored Stroudwater Navigation and the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal. Once complete, it will bring the vision of a fully navigable canal another significant step closer.

Since securing planning permission in June 2024, the Project Director and Engineering Team have worked extensively with National Highways, the Environment Agency, Natural England, Stroud District Council and local landowners to secure the wide range of permissions, licenses and land agreements required to deliver this nationally significant restoration project.

The River Frome has now been successfully diverted through an existing culvert beneath the M5, with temporary dams installed to enable construction under the M5.  Alongside the volunteer-led excavation works, Stroud District Council is acting as Principal Contractor working with a team of specialist contractors to construct this new canal channel in the River Frome beneath the M5 motorway. It follows many years of planning and close collaboration with National Highways, the Environment Agency, Natural England and other project partners.

Extensive enabling works have been completed, including the creation of a new site compound and haul road, together with preparation of the future canal corridor. Volunteer excavation teams have now begun constructing approximately 750 metres of new canal, extending east from John Robinson Lock towards the M5. The new waterway will ultimately include flood banks, a new towpath and two new locks, creating a vital section of the restored canal.

Before excavation commenced, the engineering team carried out detailed flood modelling and ground investigations to inform construction. Materials excavated from the site, including topsoil, subsoil, clay and gravel which are being carefully separated so they can be reused wherever possible throughout the project. Much of this material will be used to construct new flood banks and raise sections of the towpath. To support the works, the Trust has adapted its fleet of dumper trucks with wider cross-country tyres to minimise ground disturbance, while volunteer working days have increased to help maintain progress on this major engineering undertaking.

To ensure public safety during these operations, the footpath alongside the south bank of the River Frome has been temporarily closed. A signed diversion route has been provided through the Missing Mile site, allowing continued access for walkers while construction progresses, further details on this can be seen on the website: www.cotswoldcanals.org.

The Missing Mile Project forms part of the wider Cotswold Canals Connected programme, led by Stroud District Council and the Cotswold Canals Trust, in partnership with Canal & River Trust, Gloucestershire County Council, the Stroud Valleys Canal Company and Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust. The programme has received £15.4 million in investment from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, helping to restore one of Britain's most important historic waterways while delivering environmental, heritage, wellbeing and economic benefits for local communities.

David Hagg, Chair of Trustees at the Cotswold Canals Trust, said:
"The start of construction on the Missing Mile is a truly historic moment for the Cotswold Canals Trust and everyone who has supported this remarkable restoration over many years. It represents the culmination of countless hours of planning, engineering and partnership working, but above all it reflects the extraordinary commitment of our volunteers, partners and supporters.”

Chris Mitford-Slade, Cotswold Canals Connected Project Director, said: 
“Building a new canal through the Missing Mile with two new locks, a mooring basin and the construction of a new canal channel in the River Frome is no small feat. The work of the engineering team, specialist contractors, volunteers and partners, with the support of landowners and the vital backing from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, makes this possible. This project provides a blue-green corridor under the M5 for the first time since 1969, reconnecting communities and bringing benefits to a wide range of people. This is a strategic project which retains and restores the heritage of the canal and the Stroud valleys and will bring economic opportunities and benefits once restored.”

Stuart McLeod, Director England - London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: "This is a landmark moment for the Cotswold Canals Connected project, reconnecting communities with their heritage and restoring a vital corridor for nature after the landscape was divided by the M5. This ambitious restoration is bringing a nationally significant waterway back to life, creating new opportunities for people to explore their local history and improving access to nature. Thanks to National Lottery players, we are proud to support the Cotswold Canals Trust as work begins on the Missing Mile, delivering lasting environmental, wellbeing and economic benefits for local communities and helping ensure this important heritage is valued for generations to come."

Construction will continue over the coming months, with regular updates shared as the project progresses.

This press release has been issued by The Cotswold Canals Trust on behalf of the Cotswold Canals Connected partnership.