The Forging Ahead project represents an exciting new chapter for Ellesmere Yard, supported by a generous grant of £409,993 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
This development phase funding is designed to lay the foundation for a comprehensive transformation of the site. The work that Canal and River Trust (CRT) are undertaking aligns with the Heritage Fund's core investment principles, which prioritise the conservation of heritage, sustainability and community engagement.
Through the Forging Ahead project, CRT's vision is to restore and rejuvenate Ellesmere Yard as a hub that balances operational, commercial and educational uses, ensuring its long-term sustainability. This development phase will be focused on several key objectives, including architectural and structural assessments, developing a detailed activity plan, an interpretation strategy, and a robust evaluation process. These activities will pave the way for the full Delivery Phase application in 2026.
A key aim of this project is to preserve the rich industrial heritage of the site while ensuring that it plays an active and relevant role in the future of Ellesmere and the wider canal network. We envision Ellesmere Yard not only as an operational base but as an enterprise hub for creative industries, a space for heritage skills training, and a site for curated visitor engagement, with a focus on community involvement.
In addition to its rich history and heritage, Ellesmere Yard benefits from a strong network of partners and local interest groups that contribute to its ongoing success. The Shropshire Union Fly-Boat Restoration Society, for example, plays a key role with their unique educational offering, preserving the historic Saturn Flyboat and engaging school children and visitors with interactive learning experiences. Additionally, The Paddlebros are helping to connect young people and families to the natural beauty of the Shropshire Union and Llangollen Canals through their paddlesports activities, making the Yard a vibrant hub of both cultural and recreational engagement.
The Yard is currently home to The Sidings Workshop, where Dan, a traditional joiner and cabinet maker of with 28 years experience, undertakes traditional and modern Joinery and carpentry work, and also builds custom bespoke furniture. Nearby, Rowan, a renowned blacksmith, keeps the Forge vibrant, creating stunning bespoke metalwork and helping restore historical artefacts for a wide range of projects.
These partnerships demonstrate the Yard’s integral role in the local community, ensuring it continues to thrive as a place for learning, leisure, and heritage appreciation.
Source: Canal and River Trust
Zone Heart of England