 The BWB had made an earlier plan for the reopening of the canal link , which comprehensively covered the necessary work . In 1994 , the BWB announced its plan to bid for funding , which was submitted in 1995 on behalf of the Millennium Link Partnership . The plans called for the canals to be opened to their original operating dimensions , with 3 metres ( 9 @.@ 8 ft ) of space above the water . The whole project had a budget of £ 78 million . 
