Work has got underway on a £1.5m scheme to link the Nottingham Beeston Canal and the River Trent in a bid to improve access to Nottingham city centre.

British Waterways (BW) is leading the 24-week project at Meadow Lane Lock, which aims to provide a missing link between the existing canal towpath and Victoria Embankment, creating a green, traffic-free route for cyclists, boaters and walkers for Nottingham. Improvements to the area include the installation of a wider footbridge, the creation of a public rest area, and a river viewing platform, as well as an improved amenity building for boaters and the creation of more visitor moorings along the River Trent.

The project, which also includes the resurfacing of the towpath along the Nottingham Beeston Canal. is being funded by a number of partners, including British Waterways, East Midlands Development Agency and Nottingham City Council. Design consultancy Atkins drew up the plans for the scheme, while Morrison Construction has been appointed to carry out the work.

It is expected that the programme of work, championed by Nottingham Waterside Limited (NWL), will provide a gateway into Nottingham to form part of the 'Big Track' sustainable circular transport route. It will also link with the Waterside Regeneration Zone, one of Nottingham's largest regeneration schemes. NWL chair, Mich Stevenson, said: "This has been a partnership of several agencies working together to enhance an important part of the city waterways. Works will now start on what is expected to create a greener, more attractive route for everyone living and working in the city – as well as visitors to the area."

Caroline Killeavy, general manager for BW East Midlands, added: "The Meadow Lane project will bring significant benefits to Nottingham. By further opening up the canal as a cleaner, greener traffic-free route into and out of the city, the project will form a key part of Nottingham's ongoing local transport plan."