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GRAND UNION CANAL INDEPENDENT DESIGN PANEL

The Windcatcher at Dunstable Downs © Grand Union Canal Transfer

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The Grand Union Canal Transfer project aims to deliver a resilient and sustainable water future by enabling the transfer of treated recycled water from the Midlands to the Southeast, using the historic canal network as a strategic asset. It is also committed to leaving a lasting legacy by enhancing the canal corridor, supporting local economies and contributing to nature recovery and climate adaption.

 

The Grand Union Canal Independent Design Panel was set up in July 2026 and includes 15 leading experts from across the natural, built and social environment sectors. The panel brings together a diverse range of specialists in architecture, planning, landscape, engineering, heritage, and arts, culture and community. It will play a key role as critical friend to Grand Union Canal Transfer, supporting Harbinder Birdi, Design Champion for Grand Union Canal Transfer, and wider team to champion high-quality design which aligns with the projects overarching design principles grouped around four headings: climate, people, place and value.

 

The panel is chaired by Eleanor Fawcett, a highly respected figure in urban design, and planning, and design leadership.

Iron Trunk Aqueduct © Grand Union Canal Transfer

Meeting dates

Generally, schemes will be referred to the panel by the Grand Union Canal Transfer Design Champion at an early stage to identify and consider the key assumptions of the proposed design. Meeting dates are agreed accordingly.

 

As far as possible, Frame Projects will try to accommodate key dates in the design team’s programme, while taking account of panel member availability.

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Junction of the Oxford Canal and the Grand Union Canal © Grand Union Canal Transfer

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Meeting fees

 

Current charges for Grand Union Canal Transfer Project Independent Design Review Panel meetings are:

•  Full review             in person   £6,275 + VAT

                                 online         £5,100 + VAT
 

•  Intermediate        in person    £4,425 + VAT

                                      online         £3,975 + VAT

•  Chair’s review       in person    £3,300 + VAT

                                 online         £3,000 + VAT​

Pooley Country Park © Grand Union Canal Transfer

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Fenny Stratford Lock © Grand Union Canal Transfer

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