Future Projects
The Buckingham Canal Society has an ambitious programme of future development projects spanning canal restoration, commercial marina expansion, water resource infrastructure and community facilities. These projects are at various stages from concept to planning.
A5 Crossing — Cosgrove (Short Term)
National Highways has agreed to the use of a span of the bridge carrying the A5 over the River Great Ouse. The society is now seeking internal funding for the final design and build of a descent channel to drop down and go under the A5 — a critical link to reconnect the Cosgrove section to the wider canal line westward.
Bourton Meadow Visitor Centre & Wetlands (Target: 2029)
A community and visitor destination at the Buckingham end of the canal, currently being included in West Northamptonshire Council’s local plan development (under consultation as at April 2026). The centre will serve as an environmental and educational hub and southern gateway to the restored waterway.
Ouse Valley Marina — Zone D (Target: 2029)
A new 250-berth marina basin with full facilities at Dogsmouth Brook, overlooking the Ouse Valley. A pre-planning application has been approved by South Northamptonshire Council, with a site submission anticipated in West Northamptonshire Council’s 2026/27 10-year local plan. This will extend the marina from the current Cosgrove site to create a major new destination.
Ouse Valley Water Transfer — GUCTOV (Target: 2030)
A joint venture with Anglian Water, GRS Roadstone, and landowners to deliver approximately 3 miles of water transfer infrastructure with 8 miles of associated wetlands. The project is currently progressing through Anglian Water’s WRMP29 (Water Resources Management Plan to 2029) process. This represents the most strategically significant development in the societies history — positioning the canal as a key component of the UK’s water supply infrastructure.
Central England Water, Education, Engineering & Environment Hub — Zone E (Concept: 2033)
A proposed hub at Cosgrove Marina Zone E, combining water-related STEM education, engineering, water sports, and environmental activities. Concept discussions are underway with developers and funders, including potential partnerships with Cranfield University, Canal & River Trust, and the Scout Association. This would add arts to STEAM and provide an educational destination for schools and communities.
Parliamentary & Policy Engagement
The Buckingham Canal Society, together with MK Canals and the Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Trust, is preparing a strategic document — the Ouse Valley Water Corridor — to underpin a Parliamentary memo from 5 Milton Keynes-area MPs to the Environment Minister. This relates to the 2026 Clean Water Bill currently being drafted, and aims to secure government recognition of the canal restoration as strategic national water infrastructure.