When you think of Birmingham, it is very likely that its historic canals spring to mind. The once congested waterways that were at the epicentre of the Industrial Revolution now sit fairly dormant, providing tranquil spaces to walk, cycle, or explore with a narrowboat.
You may then be surprised to learn that there is a plan for our historic waterways to be used once more for Birmingham’s regeneration plans.
In this blog, we discuss the history of the Grand Union Canal – a waterway that runs beside Tyseley Energy Park – how we interact with it today, and the plans for its future.
Looking to the past
The Grand Union Canal feeds into Birmingham from the heart of London, leading out into the Chiltern Hills, through Northamptonshire’s picturesque countryside, into Warwickshire and then the suburbs of Birmingham.
It was originally built to improve the communications between the midlands and London. In 1793 it received its ‘Act’, the legislation that allows a canal to transport goods, becoming fully operational in 1805.
The canal had to fight hard to survive in the early 20th century. Competition from the railways and its narrow locks meant that it reduced its tolls to stay profitable.
Over time, the canal’s industrial relevance lessened but it’s presence is still very much alive with pleasure boats, walkers, cyclists, and even anglers enjoying it.
The canal today
The Grand Union Canal runs alongside Tyseley Energy Park, and acts as a reminder of the industrial past of our historic community and site.
Community is central to our mission and work at Tyseley Energy. We host regular community days where local residents can come onsite, explore the work that happens here and engage with community activities.
Often, these community days feature litter-picking on the Grand Union Canal.
In February last year, we held a community day where over 50 volunteers from local businesses and the surrounding area came together to clean up the River Cole and the Grand Union Canal. Over the course of the morning, more than 120 bags of waste were collected.
We are delighted to be able to contribute towards the development of a much cleaner community area and waterways.
The potential of using the Grand Union Canal for a sustainable future
There are lots of exciting developments happening with the Grand Union Canal, including the Grand Union Canal Transfer Scheme.
This major initiative aims to help strengthen the UK’s future water security by using the existing canal network to move water from the midlands to the south east. Something we welcome wholeheartedly at Tyseley Energy Park.
As demand grows and climate pressures increase, the project will allow up to 115 million litres of water per day to be transferred through a combination of new pipelines and established waterways. This will support a more resilient public water supply, reduce pressure on sensitive chalk streams, and create long-term benefits through improved canal infrastructure and a more reliable water supply for navigation.
This joint water transfer project, between Severn Trent, Affinity Water, and the Canal & River Trust, is a testament to the role that resilient canals can play in fighting climate change and creating a sustainable future.
The potential of the Grand Union Canal doesn’t stop there.
Last year, Robert Horsfall, Head of Finance and Strategic Projects at Tyseley Energy Park, joined key regional figures such as Mayor Richard Parker and Henriette Breukelaar, Canal & River Trust’s Director of the West Midlands, at the launch of the Canal & River Trust’s West Midlands Canal Prospectus.
At this event, the plan for reviving Birmingham’s historic waterways to drive progress towards a greener future was launched, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to be a part of it.
Our canals create modern solutions that enable sustainable travel, strengthen flood resilience, spark regeneration, grow boating and tourism, enrich leisure experiences, and strengthen community pride.
In February 2026, Robert strengthened our commitment to the future of the Canal Network by attending the Canal & River Trust’s Parliamentary Reception. This event highlighted the heritage of the UK’s 2,000-mile canal network and its function as a vital component of modern national infrastructure.
During this event, attendees heard from the Minister for Water and Flooding, Emma Hardy MP, and the Deputy Mayor of London for Environment and Energy, Mete Coban, alongside the Canal & River Trust’s new Chief Executive, Campbell Robb. It was great to continue our support of this exciting vision for the future.
As a neighbouring site to a canal, with a mission central to transforming clean energy innovation in Birmingham and the midlands, we’re excited to work with the Canal & River Trust to assess innovative ways the Grand Union Canal can influence our future work.
Robert Horsfall commented:
“We’re so excited to see how Birmingham’s historic canal network is being incorporated into green regeneration plans. As an organisation with a rich industrial heritage, it’s inspiring to see the legacy of the Industrial Revolution inform the future of the Clean Growth Revolution.”
Want to learn more about our mission, click here. And, if you’re interested in how Tyseley Energy Park can help your business to scale-up, get in touch here.