Nearly 30 regeneration schemes across Britain have been named as finalists for the 2009 Waterways Renaissance Awards by The Waterways Trust (TWT) and the British Urban Regeneration Association (BURA).

Nominations were judged by an independent assessment panel comprising a range of waterway, conservation and regeneration experts, with the awards incorporating 10 categories, including recreation and tourism, and historic environment. Among the finalists for this year's awards is a waterfront regeneration scheme in Castleford, West Yorkshire, a project to create new public open space in the Medlock Valley, east Manchester, and the transformation of a former railway line alongside the River Witham in Lincolnshire into a multi-user path.

The winners of the awards, which aim to celebrate the best examples of waterway regeneration, will be named at a ceremony on 31 March, held at Liverpool Arena and Conference Centre. Sir Peter Soulsby, chair of the assessment panel, said: "All selected schemes are truly inspirational and their achievements will provide valuable lessons that will help drive the modern renaissance of our waterways.

"They provide examples of successful community engagement and partnership working and demonstrate the importance of waterways for the creation of new education, recreation and business opportunities." Image: Water Rail Way, Lincolnshire