West Berkshire Council will begin essential works in January 2027 to improve and protect the River Kennet towpath in Newbury town centre, helping keep this popular route safe and accessible for years to come.

From Monday 11 January 2027, contractor Volker, working on behalf of West Berkshire Council, will install new sheet piling along the north side of the River Kennet between Northbrook Street Bridge (Town Bridge) and Park Way Bridge (American Bridge). Similar works will also be carried out on a short section of riverbank on the south side near the Peace Garden.

The project is needed because the existing steel piling has deteriorated over time, resulting in sections of the towpath beginning to sink. Temporary repairs have previously been undertaken in several locations to maintain safety.

The River Kennet towpath is a well-used route for people walking, cycling and wheeling between the town centre and Victoria Park. It is also used by boaters and by anglers accessing sites further along the waterway.

The scheme will provide a long-term solution by installing new sheet piling and improving the structure and surface of the towpath. These improvements will help protect the riverbank, improve resilience and ensure the route remains available for residents and visitors.

The works will be carried out using a floating pontoon equipped with a piling rig. New sheet piles will be driven into the riverbed in front of the deteriorated piling. Once the new piling is installed, the old timber capping will be removed, the area between the new and existing piling will be infilled, new capping will be fitted and sections of blockwork that form the towpath surface relaid.

Work is expected to take approximately seven weeks and will be carried out between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday. During this time, the affected section of towpath will be closed.  An alternative route will be available for people walking and wheeling via Bridge Street (Town Bridge), Mansion House Street, Wharf Street, the footway on Park Way Bridge and the ramp at the corner of Victoria Park to rejoin the towpath on the east side of Park Way Bridge. People cycling will need to dismount when using the Park Way Bridge footway, the ramp at the corner of Park Way Bridge and westbound in Mansion House Street. A plan showing the extent of the works and the alternative route is available alongside this release.

The council recognises that the project will cause some disruption and noise for nearby residents, businesses and visitors. Measures will be put in place to minimise the impact wherever possible, including temporary noise reduction fencing along the north side of the river.

The project supports the council’s commitment to maintaining vital infrastructure, protecting public spaces and ensuring residents can continue to access safe and sustainable routes across West Berkshire.

Councillor Stuart Gourley, Executive Member for Environment and Highways, said: “These important works will help safeguard the River Kennet towpath and ensure it remains safe and accessible for everyone who uses it. While we appreciate that the piling process will generate some noise, the improvements will provide a long-term solution and help protect this well-used route for many years to come. We thank residents, businesses and visitors for their patience while the works are carried out.”

Residents and visitors can find further information about these essential works on the West Berkshire Council website at www.westberks.gov.uk/activetravel