Plans to open-up to the public one of the Canal & River Trust network’s most historic working yards, Ellesmere Yard has received a boost with a development grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Funds total £409,933 from the Heritage Fund, alongside funding from Historic England and Shropshire Council's Shared Prosperity Fund.
This will allow the Canal & River Trust charity to develop plans for the site to become home to more independent crafts people and a visitor destination alongside its role as a working canal maintenance yard.
Kathryn Woodroffe, project manager, at the Canal & River Trust said:
“Ellesmere Yard is a site steeped in history, having played a central role in the development of the area for over two centuries. It remains an active and vital canal maintenance yard, one of the oldest still in operation. We are thrilled to explore new ways these unique buildings can continue to serve the maintenance needs of the canal whilst also being repurposed to support and enrich the local community, ensuring that Ellesmere Yard continues to be a cornerstone of our heritage and future.”
Louise Brennan, Historic England Regional Director (Midlands) said:
“We’re so pleased to able to help fund the works at Ellesmere Yard. It played a vital role in the development of the area, and the refurbishment will ensure that it continues to have a central role in the community for years to come – full steam ahead!”
Over the next 12 months, the Trust will use the Heritage Fund to carry out important assessments of the site, including heritage, architectural and access audits. It will consult with local residents, businesses and others to explore the ways in which the site could benefit the local community.
Source: Canal & River Trust press release
Zone Heart of England