Rotherham Council has approved £10,000 towards a feasibility study for restoring a nine-mile section of the Chesterfield Canal between Staveley and Kiveton Park. The study supports a long-term masterplan that could include a marina at Kiveton Waters, improved paths and restored canal infrastructure, advancing efforts to make the full canal route navigable.

The wider Chesterfield Canal Partnership has restored more than 12 miles of canal, 37 locks and 11 bridges since 1989. Proposals in Rotherham include moorings at Rother Valley Country Park, flood-defence improvements and restoration of the historic Norwood Flight’s 13 locks; possible repairs around Norwood Tunnel and additional visitor facilities would need further funding and approvals. The trust hopes to have further sections filled with water by the canal’s 250th anniversary in 2027.