River bank piling to shore up the south side of the Kennet and Avon Canal in Newbury town centre and the removal of the historic goods crane starts this week.
River bank piling to shore up the south side of the Kennet and Avon Canal in Newbury town centre — and the removal of the historic goods crane — starts this week. The crane will return, fully refurbished, in early summer.
These works form part of a £420,000 spend to complete Newbury’s Peace Garden area in the Wharf. Most of the garden was finished last year, but structural issues with the south riverbank were found during construction.
River bank piling will begin this month, with further improvements between the American Bridge and the A339 flyover. The council says the urgent works are “crucial to safeguarding the Wharf” and will support future walking, wheeling and cycling along the waterfront.
Some areas of the Peace Garden will need to close temporarily while the work takes place.
Phase 2 will add new planting, upgraded landscaping and integrated seating, bringing the project to life across both sides of the canal as part of wider town-centre improvements aligned with the emerging Local Plan.
Justin Pemberton (Lib Dem, Thatcham West), West Berkshire’s executive member for community engagement, economic development and regeneration, said: “We’re really looking forward to opening the Peace Garden in time for spring next year.
“This new space will bring real health and wellbeing benefits for our residents and visitors, and it’s just the beginning of the transformative changes planned for the Wharf and the wider town centre.
“Once completed, these improvements will be enjoyed for generations.”
The Peace Garden on Newbury Wharf is costing more than £400,000. The construction costs for the first stage are £422,000, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Questioned on value for money, Louise Sturgess (Lib Dem, Newbury Central), portfolio holder for economic development last year, said ‘yes’, it was.
“The Peace Garden was not an inviting place to be,” she said. “It was not being used to its best potential, particularly as it is a prime location in the town centre.
“Improvements to the garden will make it bigger and turn it into a welcoming green space where everyone will be able to walk and relax.” She said the taxi rank will stay where it is, as will the public toilets.
Niki Hinman, Local Democracy Reporter
