The Leeds and Liverpool canal took over 40 years to build. The project began in 1770, several years after the project was first conceived as an idea. Interestingly, it was the first of the Trans-Pennines canal project commenced on, and was the last to be finished. It was such an intricate project that it cost more than five times the original budget proposed.

The idea for the canal originated in the 18th century, as trade between the towns of Yorkshire grew. The Aire and Calder Navigation to the East had opened up Leeds East bound trading, but the West lacked in links to help open trade.

Merchants wanted to increase trading, particularly for limestone and coal, for which there was an increasing demand due to industrialization. Traders in the region were excited at the trade increasing possibilities that artificial navigation could open up. As the idea grew in popularity, it became an official proposal, and, with much back and forth, a final proposal was agreed on.

The Canal Act was passed in 1770 for the canal from Leeds to Liverpool, passing through Parbold, Walton-le-Dale, Colne and Skipton, with an offshoot going from Burscough towards the River Ribble, another offshoot from Parbold to Wigan, and finally, an aqueduct at Whalley and a branch from Shipley to Bradford.

By 1777 there were many points of the canal that were operational, including between Liverpool, Parbold and Gathurst, near Wigan, and from Leeds to Gargrave, and the branch to Bradford. At this point, the canal had proven to be a far costlier project than estimated, and the funding was used up. Over the next near 40 years, the canal underwent a series of construction, as funds were available. And, due to wars and lack of funding, periods of no progress. The full canal, with the exception of the recent Liverpool docks system, was completed by around 1816.

As the railway, and more recently lorries and modern highways, came on scene, the use of the canal began to decline. By 1964 commercial traffic along the canal had all but completely stopped. Today, the canal has found renewed appreciation from the many boaters that enjoy cruising along its waters. The Leeds and Liverpool Canal is today known for its lovely scenery, many marinas, and the popular lock free portions that are ideal for easy sailing.

The Canal Link construction will include over 1km of new channel, 2 new locks, 5 new bridges and a tunnel. In support of an overriding vision to generate activity by boats and people the design will allow access for visiting canal boats, hire boats and water taxis.

There will be public walkways alongside the water as well as recreational areas.

The waterside along the canal will be terraced down, forming informal seating close to the water and shelter from the wind. The canal will be set at a level below the existing Pier Head, wide walkways across the canal will enable pedestrian circulation to be maintained.

Appropriate contemporary material will be used to reflect the character of the Pier Head. The canal line has been designed to protect the locations of existing monuments and the link will restore part of Manchester Dock exposing historic dock walls.
The sketch above right illustrates the relationship of the proposed channel across Pier Head with the Three Graces and other facilities.