Words of Support

The Derby and Sandiacre Canal Trust has support from the local communities, organisations and businesses.

Find below a selection of quotes from our supporters, who briefly discuss the benefits of a restored canal through Derby.

“Derby has played an important part in the history of Rolls-Royce and plays a vital role in our future.  We are continually investing in the city and surrounding area and this is why I am excited by Derby and Sandiacre Canal Trust’s plan to create a boat lift on Pride Park. I believe this will further enhance the attractiveness of both Pride Park and Derby as a great place to work.”

Ian Campbell, Group Property Director, Rolls-Royce Plc

“The Derby and Sandiacre Canal Trust’s Vision for the Derby Arm Boat Lift and riverside regeneration will enliven the city centre by reconnecting it with its river and make it a much more attractive location for our current and future employees.”

Marios Christodoulou, CEO SCITEK Ltd, Derby

“We support the concept of the Derby Arm and Waterfront put forward by the Derby and Sandiacre Canal Trust. A development such as this would further enhance the city as a great place to live and study as well as create a green corridor into the city which is important for improving public health. We very much hope that this will be a landmark which attracts visitors from across the UK and beyond”

Professor Christopher Bussell, Pro Vice-Chancellor / Dean, University of Derby

“The Derby and Sandiacre Canal Trust’s plans to begin a boat service on the River Derwent will help to reconnect our home city of Derby to its river. We wish the project every success, and look forward to the development of its longer-term plans for canal restoration”

Richard Hunter, UK Managing Director, Bombardier Transportation

“Hailing from Derbyshire as I do, it’s always heartwarming to see regeneration projects such as this taking place. I am sure that the Derby and Sandiacre Canal Trust’s Vision for the Derby Arm Boat Lift and the transformation of the riverside will not only enrich the lives of the community, but also open up opportunities for restaurants to pepper the water’s edge.”

Sat Bains, Two Star Michelin Chef and Restaurant Owner

“Pennine Healthcare is a family owned business, trading for over 40 years throughout the world from our central Derby offices and factory. The Derby and Sandiacre Canal Restoration project is a key initiative, which will give something back to the local community, not only in the creation of jobs, but also for the environment, education and relaxation. Pennine is proud to support this key initiative project, which will further promote Derby in the UK and world stage”

Ben Leathwood, Head of Marketing, Pennine Healthcare

“This canal restoration project will result in a revitalised Derby city centre and a waterfront which will attract visitors, wildlife and investors.  Derby’s future potential is vividly demonstrated in Brindleyplace, Birmingham, where the beautifully restored canal system has stimulated adjacent development in both commercial and leisure sectors. Merlin has operated a successful SEA LIFE centre there since the mid 90s and is soon to open two further attractions. The Canal and River Trust are working with the SEALIFE centre to create wildlife corridors; this is something that we hope the Derby and Sandiacre Canal Trust can emulate as part of its own exciting project.”

James Burleigh, Chief Ambassador,Merlin Entertainments Plc

“We are very much looking forward to the restoration of the Derby Canal. Not only will this clearly give a big boost to the city centre and Pride Park but it will also be a catalyst for some exciting new opportunities in Alvaston and Wilmorton. Having an active canal in the area introduces the prospect of waterside housing, pubs, cafes and shops driven by increased visitor numbers. We believe our customers and staff will also benefit from having this amenity nearby.”

Mike Ebbitt, Managing Director - Derby Conference Centre

“The restoration of the Derby & Sandiacre Canal is an exciting opportunity for local residents; not only will it create a more attractive area to live and socialise, but it will also develop natural habitats for wildlife – something we at Toyota are strong advocates for – restoring our own site with wildlife corridors. We are looking forward to the exciting next phase of development”

Nick Freeman, Assistant General Manager, TOYOTA MOTOR MANUFACTURING (UK) LTD

“The Derby Canal restoration project is hugely important because it brings people into nature in a way that was invented by humans. To be able to restore this superb watery artery will bring life, beauty and inspiration to all who will use it and, if our experience at Eden is anything to go by, it will create very significant long term economic and social benefit and the most valuable gift of all-memories”

Tim Smit, CEO, Eden Project

“We’re excited at the prospect of having a waterfront scheme in Derby which hopefully encourages further investment in the city and surrounding region, provides local residents and visitors with another landmark attraction, and inspires the next generation.”

Stephen Pearce, CEO, Derby County Football Club

“I wish the Derby and Sandiacre Canal Trust every success with its project and its plans for the future.”

Sir David Attenborough, Wildlife Conservationist and Television Presenter