PATRICROFT

• GBPRF
• Latitude: 53.4667
• Longitude: -2.35
• UK Coast & Atlantic
• Port in UK

Location: Patricroft UK

Patricroft is a district within the City of Salford in Greater Manchester, England, but it is not traditionally known as a marine port. Instead, Patricroft is more historically associated with the Bridgewater Canal, which played a significant role during the Industrial Revolution, particularly for transporting coal.

Description

• Location: Patricroft is situated in the north-west of England, within Greater Manchester.
• Geographical Coordinates: Approximately 53.4851° N latitude and -2.3590° W longitude.
• Canal: The Bridgewater Canal, a key waterway in the area, connects to various industrial locations and played an essential role in the historic coal transport network.
• Historical Significance: The area saw significant growth during the Industrial Revolution primarily due to the canal, which served as a major transport route for coal and other materials.

Specification

Though not a marine port, the canal infrastructure in Patricroft had unique specifications:

1. Waterway: The Bridgewater Canal is a man-made canal.
2. Length: The canal stretches approximately 65 kilometers (approximately 39 miles).
3. Locks: Unlike many other canals, the Bridgewater Canal is notable for having no locks between Worsley and its terminus in Manchester, facilitating easier transportation.
4. Width and Depth: Typical canal dimensions do allow for narrowboats, traditionally around:
   • Width: Generally around 7 feet (2.1 meters).
   • Depth: Around 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters) deep.

Uses

• Historical Use: Primarily industrial, particularly coal transport.
• Current Use: Today, the canal is more commonly used for leisure and tourism, with narrowboats and pleasure craft traversing its length.

Facilities and Infrastructure

• Marinas: There are few marinas or mooring facilities designed for leisure craft.
• Amenities: Limited industrial amenities, with more focus on tourism now.
• Access Points: Various points along the canal where boats can be entered and exited.

Key Points of Interest

• Bridgewater Foundry: Historically significant location near the canal, associated with the founding of the Bridgewater Canal.
• Walking and Cycling Routes: The towpaths along the canal are popular for recreational activities such as walking, cycling, and jogging.

Connectivity

• Road Links: Patricroft is accessible by road, with significant road networks connecting it to Greater Manchester and beyond.
• Public Transport: The area is serviced by public transport, including buses and trains from Patricroft railway station.

Environmental Considerations

• Conservation: Efforts exist to maintain and preserve the historical and ecological integrity of the canal.
• Water Quality: Managed through various local and national environmental regulations to ensure it remains sustainable for public and recreational use.

Future Developments

• Regeneration Projects: Potential urban and environmental regeneration projects are frequently proposed to enhance the canal's utility and attractiveness.
• Tourism Initiatives: Continued focus on expanding tourism and leisure activities along the canal.

In summary, Patricroft’s significance might be better understood through the lens of its historical and current usage associated with the Bridgewater Canal rather than as a conventional marine port.