New Islington sits between the Rochdale and Ashton Canals.  The redevelopment of this area calls for the construction of a new canal that will link the two existing canals to create a water park around which innovative residential developments will be located.  The entrance to this new canal will be via the bascule bridge that sits in waiting beside the Ashton Canal adjacent to the Chips building.

A bascule bridge is a lift bridge that has a counterweight that keeps the deck of the bridge in balance as it rises and fall.  The system allows for quick opening and closing and requires very little energy to operate.