Work on the restoration of the Lichfield Canal is moving forward, with the next major construction milestone getting underway at Gallows Reach, off Tamworth Road.
From January 2026, contractors Walsh Construction will begin a six-week programme of sheet piling to form the new canal channel. At the same time, work will continue on the construction of a concrete wall on the opposite side of the reach.
This marks the start of the next significant phase of construction at Gallows Reach. Thanks to the extensive groundwork already completed by volunteers, specialist contractors are now able to carry out the sheet-piling works that will create the canal’s new structural edge. The work is being funded through a Lichfield District Council Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) grant.
While Walsh Construction will undertake the majority of the heavy engineering works, Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust (LHCRT) volunteers will remain active on site. Volunteers will continue with the construction of the canal bed, bricklaying and other essential tasks, working alongside the contractor team.
Volunteer activity is also set to increase, with a second team being introduced to add an extra day of volunteer work each week.
This is a key moment for Gallows Reach. Volunteers have worked tirelessly on the project so far, and bringing in contractors for this specialist phase means we can keep momentum and have this first part of Gallows Reach in water by the summer. – Derek Lord, Planning and Technical Trustee
More information about the project can be found on the Gallows Reach webpage at www.lhcrt.org.uk/gallows-reach
