Netherwich Young People's Arts and Heritage Project

The aim of the Netherwich Young People's Arts & Heritage Project was to restore part of the Droitwich Canals and to provide an opportunity for disadvantaged young people in Droitwich Spa to make their mark on the restoration of the historically important Droitwich Canals.

The project has restored the stretch of towpath that passes under two railway bridges at Netherwich to include refurbished railings, an atmospheric lighting scheme, poetry and laser cut panels.

Despite being right at the heart of the canals in the town, the gloomy nature of the tunnels was identified by the community as a real barrier, particularly for women and older people, limiting people's access to the canal and public park in the town centre.

Young people from Droitwich Spa High School and Droitwich Youth Club were invited to work with an artist to create an outdoor interpretive feature for the railway bridges at Netherwich Basin, an area susceptible to anti-social behaviour. The young people worked with artist Richard Ellis to identify themes and design features which reflect the importance of the site. Richard facilitated workshops which encouraged the young people to design and create different shapes inspired by site visits and canal boat trips. The designs were transformed into metal plates which have been attached to the hand rails under the bridges and incorporated into a feature animating the dark and dingy bridges with light and colour. A film was produced to document and highlight the project and the work carried out by the young people.

The project was funded and supported by: Heritage Lottery Fund: Young Roots, Austin Hope Pilkington Charitable Trust, West Mercia Police, Worcestershire Community Safety Team, Morgan Crucible Fund, Charles Henry Foyle Trust, Trusthouse Foundation, Michael Marsh Charitable Trust, Spa Housing Association, Gillett Charitable Trust, D'Oyle Carte Charitable Trust, Environment Agency & Wychavon District Council.