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Droitwich Spa Health Corridor officially opens
A new health corridor has been officially opened as part of Wychavon’s multi-million-pound investment in leisure and wellbeing projects in Droitwich Spa.
The towpath running along the Droitwich Canal from Vines Park to Ladywood Lock in Salwarpe has been completely reconstructed to provide a more accessible route for people to access nature, be active and boost their wellbeing.
Previously, the towpath was a mixture of uneven sand, silt, and stone, making it inaccessible for many residents, particularly during winter. A new sub-base has been installed along with edging boards to help maintain the structure and a natural compacted grey limestone finish. Three wheelchair-friendly benches and new directional signage have also been installed along the route. Contractor R&C Williams carried out the work.
The project was inspired by Droitwich Spa Place Board and is part of a major investment in leisure and wellbeing in the town by Wychavon, which includes upgrades to Droitwich Spa Lido and Droitwich Spa Leisure Centre, as well as a new pump track and skate park.
The new towpath has also improved access to the recently enhanced Coney Meadow Wetland and reed bed, which was carried out by The Canal & River Trust with funding from Wychavon's share of the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Visitors to Coney Meadow will be welcomed by a new owl sculpture at the entrance and an improved bird-viewing panel. Plans are to add decorative features to the bird-viewing panel to showcase the wildlife that can be spotted.
Cllr Dan Birch, Wychavon’s Executive Board Member for Wellbeing, Social Mobility and Transformation, said: “Being outdoors, walking, and enjoying nature all play a vital role in supporting physical and mental wellbeing. This new health corridor ensures those benefits are more accessible, while marking another key milestone in our investment in leisure, wellbeing and active travel. It brings us closer to our vision of making Droitwich Spa a leading leisure and wellbeing destination.”
Matt Nicol, Chair of Droitwich Spa Place Board, said: “It’s fantastic to see the health corridor finally open. This project shows how collaboration among the Place Board, Wychavon, and the Canal & River Trust can turn ideas into spaces that benefit the whole community. The upgrades create a welcoming environment that everyone can enjoy throughout the year.”
Ian Lane, Head of Operational Partnerships & Fundraising at Canal & River Trust, said: “The completion of the health corridor is a great example of how partnerships can bring canals to life, and we are really pleased that more people now have the opportunity to use the canal all year round and realise the many benefits it offers. Whether that is residents enjoying their local canal for recreation, or visitors exploring the waterways. Research has shown that using our green and blue corridors and connecting with nature can really improve your physical and mental wellbeing”