The waterways of Bristol are dominated by the Severn Estuary and the second largest tidal range in the world (c. 13m). The New Cut, an artificial waterway constructed between 1804 and 1809 to divert the tidal River Avon around the south of the old city of Bristol, was part of an elaborate scheme to engineer the river system for easier shipping access (avoiding the fall of the tide) through the construction of the Floating Harbour. The banks of the waterways through Bristol are now subject to extensive redevelopment and gentrification.