Volunteers hope the scheme makes the most of the canal's heritage

Volunteers have been working alongside council officials to get the huge regeneration project off the ground.

The scheme is expected to cost upwards of �5m and will take several years to complete.

The canal runs from the Victoria Quay near Sheffield's city centre out towards the Meadowhall shopping centre.

Existing heritage

Dermot Reader of Attercliffe and Darnall Community Enterprises said it was not the most attractive of routes in its present state.

But it was hoped the plans would make the most of existing heritage, such as old boat yards, at the Victoria Quay site.

Mr Reader said: "Further along you have the Don Valley Stadium and the Sheffield Arena sites which could make leisure and recreation zones.

"There is a lot of green space around there.

"We also want to make improvements to the towpaths and make access better."

Work to improve the towpath near Victoria Quay is due to begin in January.

The rest of the scheme should start to take shape later in the year.

Consultation meetings and events to promote the scheme are now being planned.