New 26km waterway would provide a large-scale blue-green infrastructure asset to benefit placemaking along the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor
LONDON (Mar. 19, 2025) — AECOM, the trusted global infrastructure leader, announced today it has been appointed to investigate the feasibility of constructing a section of the proposed Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Park and deliver the outline business case for what would be the UK’s largest new-build canal in a century. Linking the Grand Union Canal in Milton Keynes to the River Great Ouse in Bedford, the 26km waterway would benefit both new and existing communities along the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor. The development of this significant blue-green infrastructure asset would enhance surface water management, improve flood resilience, and provide much-needed water transfer opportunities.
With support from a consortium of agencies and local authorities, the Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Trust has advocated for the development of the new waterway park for the past 30 years and to construct sections of the canal as funding opportunities become available. In a major step forward, it has appointed AECOM to work on the first 2km section in the eastern part of the route near Bedford.
Initially, AECOM will investigate existing information to gain a deeper understanding of potential constraints and challenges to construction. This work will include detailed analysis of survey information, geology maps, existing utility information, land ownership boundaries and plans for future infrastructure and housing along the route.
The next phase will be to develop concept designs for the first 2km section, which crosses the A421 via an underpass that was built in readiness for the canal and will include a number of locks. The design will connect the waterway with existing sustainable drainage (SUDs) ponds in Bedford Commercial Park to bolster flood resilience.
AECOM is also developing an Outline Business Case (OBC) for the entire waterway route. Designed to demonstrate a case for further investment, the OBC will outline the strategic rationale for the scheme, assessing costs and benefits to establish value for money and identifying potential funding, delivery and management options, including an option for constructing the whole route in one comprehensive package.
As well as providing a new channel for water supply and drainage, the canal would improve biodiversity, water quality and climate resilience. It would provide new wildlife habitats and recreational amenities and create attractive waterside locations for new homes and businesses.
Peter Robinson, Technical Excellence Director – Water, UK & Ireland, AECOM, said: “The proposed route of the Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Park was part of historic plans for Britain’s original canal network, though it was never constructed. The introduction of the new waterway presents a unique opportunity to establish a large-scale blue-green infrastructure asset, delivering substantial environmental, economic and social benefits to support the area’s ambitious growth plans. AECOM brings its extensive experience in waterway innovation to this project, and we are excited to contribute to the creation of a new canal for the 21st century.”
Simon Clewlow, Chair of the Bedford and Milton Keynes Waterway Trust, said “Following the announcement last July of support for delivery of the waterway by the elected Mayor of Bedford, Tom Wootton, this appointment is the important next step to enabling that delivery to become a reality. I’m very excited that the time is coming shortly when the Bedford and Milton Keynes Waterway Park will be able to show that it can be a key element of managing water purposefully in the 21st century, so putting ‘Water Where It’s Wanted.’
“Using the waterway to mitigate flood risk, provide flood resilience as well as move water from the wetter areas of the country to the drier east are its significant strategic benefits. At a more local level there will be environmental and wellbeing advantages as well as becoming an asset for recreation and tourism.
“The Trust will continue to focus on the overall vision for the waterway by collaborating with all its partners and build on the work from this appointment, which it should be remembered has only been possible through the hard work of the Trust’s volunteers and support from the public who cruise on our community boats on the Grand Union Canal in Milton Keynes and the River Great Ouse in Bedford.”
AECOM’s appointment follows its role to design and develop Europe’s first ever smart canal to mitigate flood risk in Glasgow, which was delivered in conjunction with Scottish Canals, Glasgow City Council and Scottish Water. Introducing weather technology to the 250-year-old Forth & Clyde Canal provides advanced warning of heavy rainfall, which automatically triggers a lowering of the canal’s water level to create capacity for surface water runoff. AECOM will look for opportunities to apply similar approaches to the Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Park.
About AECOM
AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2024. Learn more at aecom.com.
