The project receives £700,000 from the Mayor of London’s Green & Resilient Spaces Fund.

The Grand Union Canal and a network of neighbouring green areas in Southall will host a new Wellbeing Way, thanks to £700,000 Green and Resilient Spaces funding by London Mayor Sadiq Khan.

The Grand Union Canal Trust, Ealing Council, housing association Catalyst, and Ealing Council’s Sport England National Lottery funded Let’s Go Southall project, are working together to transform the canal towpaths and nearby green spaces in Southall.

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The enhancements will enable the Southall’s community and visitors to lead more active lives and improve their wellbeing. It will also enhance the biodiversity and climate resilience of the area.

The Southall Grand Union Canal Wellbeing Way is a green corridor that wraps around Southall, allowing residents to escape the city and reconnect with nature.

The funds will be used to integrate the canal with nearby green spaces and to implement a series of enhancements, such as waterside place-making, wildlife habitat creation, towpath improvements to improve the surface and allow better access to the canal, play and interpretation, flood resilience, and gardening and stewardship to ensure that nature and people to thrive.

This exciting initiative will be co-designed by members of the Southall community, some of whom have already helped shape the plans for the Wellbeing Way. Active volunteer participation in the creation and ongoing nurturing of these special spaces will be encouraged.

Making a real difference

Ros Daniels, regional director for Canal & River Trust, said: "Spending time by the water makes people healthier and happier, and the Southall Grand Union Canal Wellbeing Way is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference to the wellbeing of the local community."

"Each green and blue place will provide a unique point of interest and opportunity for people to get to know, love and care for their canal and its surrounding spaces, through exploring, exercising, enjoying quality time with friends and family, getting involved in cultural activities, and creating and caring for gardens and wildlife habitat."

"Since the start of the pandemic, people have gravitated towards their local canal towpaths and green spaces and discovered the wellbeing benefits of being by water and connecting with nature."

"We know how important the canal and green spaces are for people in Southall to take a breath, take time out and spend time with others, as well as being active and outside. The new towpath will provide more space for everybody and have a better surface so the canal can be enjoyed in all weathers."

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A wonderful opportunity

Councillor Deirdre Costigan, Ealing Council cabinet member for climate action said: "This is a wonderful opportunity to transform and improve areas around the canal, providing spaces for local residents to enjoy. Open spaces are so important for health and wellbeing, and combining those open spaces with waterways can only be more beneficial."

Joining forces

Nicola Wheeler, Catalyst’s head of community investment, added: "The health and wellbeing benefits of being in touch with nature are immeasurable, particularly for children."

"So, after being part of a series of smaller improvement schemes in the area over the past few years, we are delighted to join forces with our partners on this large-scale effort to make the canal and nearby green spaces more accessible and enjoyable to visit."

The project will draw a green and blue thread connecting Spikes Bridge Park on the Grand Union Canal Paddington Arm in the northwest of Southall via the Bull’s Bridge canal junction through to Glade Lane Canalside Park and the Hanwell Lock Flight, linking Bankside, Southall Recreation Ground, Bixley Field and Havelock Canalside space on the way.

It will take place between 2022 and 2024 and develop a legacy of wellbeing activities for the Southall community.