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It is far from clear that there exists a demand to
excavate a canal across the Pier Head to link Prince's Dock with the
Canning Half Tide Basin which forms part of the Albert Dock complex.
Though it was once possible to sail narrow boats from the Leeds and
Liverpool Canal through to the south docks via the now filled in
George's Dock (In which the Royal Liver, Cunard, Port of Liverpool
and Mersey Tunnel Ventilation buildings were constructed.) the south
docks never really had a narrow boat presence.
For some years a few narrow boats have braved
the swift flowing Mersey to enter Canning River Entrance for the
annual Mersey River Festival, but it is doubtful that this is proof
of demand for such an ambitious. If it was the intention to bring
canal boats into the city as has been stated - surely a canal boat
marina in Prince's Dock would have sufficed?
As a result of this probably unnecessary
construction much of the Pier Head piazza area is now fenced off
during Liverpool's 800 anniversary year and access to the river
front restricted and will remain so until mid 2008. After that there
will be a semi covered canal across the Pier Head area which is sure
to become a depository for general litter, the previous evening's
discarded take-aways and the occasional dead dog, cat or
person!
However as construction progresses, Irish Sea
Shipping will post occasional photographs of progress as and when
gaps in fences allow! |
