The concept of the Derby Arm, supported by patent, is the brainchild of Derbyshire engineer, Alec Dodd. Alec, formely Chief Turbine Design Engineer for Rolls Royce and fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society and, most importantly Canal Society Member, has designed a functional boat lift for crossing the river Derwent. The Derby Arm, an alterrnative approach to a conventional boat lift, provides a simple engineering solution to crossing the river, whilst delivering a mega tourist attraction. The business case for the Derby Arm is supported by British Waterways, replicating the commercial success of the Falkirk Wheel and Kelpiers, the Arm can attract at least 400,000 visitors per year.

If you want to find our more about this boat lift, the commercial opportunites for Pride Park and Derby City, and the engineering principles of the Arm, then join the Society and be part of the inner circle making Derby riverside navigable and the City of Derby a major tourist attraction. For downloadable map, go to Stakeholder Section - Corridor Developments - Drawing 107, for location of river crossing