New Look For Dry Dock Under Wigan Pier Quarter Plan
17 November 2008
Wigan’s historic canal dry dock has been given a £55,000 makeover under a grand vision for the town’s Pier Quarter.
The dry dock is thought to date back to around 1888, and was constructed as part of the adjacent boatyard and repair buildings complex. The canopy is a later addition, probably mid-20th century.
The work is due for completion this month and will give this heritage feature on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal a sympathetic spruce up comprising:
• Fencing restoration;
• Roofing and guttering restoration;
• Access alterations and improvements;
• Painting and decorating.
Simon Kensdale, who co-ordinates the Wigan Pier Quarter Townscape Heritage Initiative scheme, said: “It is excellent news that this small historic facility will continue to be used in the future for traditional boat repair work. Heritage assets can make a significant contribution to economic and social life.”
British Waterways North West General Manager, Debbie Lumb said the multi-million pound regeneration of the Wigan Pier Quarter was transforming this historic part of the town by enhancing its rich heritage value.
“The refurbishment of Wigan Dry Dock is a small scale yet high value project highlighting how partnerships can deliver projects that will benefit communities and visitors alike,” said Ms Lumb.
The Wigan Pier Quarter project has transformed buildings – most notably Trencherfield Mill – along with large areas of land adjacent to the canal.
Wigan Council is funding 75 per cent of the total cost through its Heritage Lottery Fund backed Townscape Heritage Initiative, while British Waterways is contributing the balance and future maintenance of the site. The scheme has also been supported by the European Regional Development Fund.
“This project will add real value to the continuing regeneration of this important area. The local authority contribution has enabled us to bring forward these works, improving the appearance of the waterway and its corridor for visitors,” Ms Lumb added.
Ends
NOTES TO EDITORS
• Wigan Dry Dock was built as part of the original canal, for which approval was given in 1770. However, it took nearly 40 years of physical and financial hardship to complete, finally linking the Irish Sea with the North Sea 127 miles to the east.
• At 127 miles long, the Leeds & Liverpool Canal is the longest single canal in Britain. Originally built for freight, today the canal offers boaters, walkers and cyclists an exhilerating link between these two modern cities, passing through a catalogue of famous Northern towns and conurbations en route.
• Wigan in particular benefits from the canal as a tourist attraction. Here, the waterway offers a rich variety of popular natural and industrial heritage. The canal links most of Wigan Borough’s major visitor attractions: The Douglas Valley, Robin Park and the JJB Stadium, plus the Wigan Flashes and Pennington Country Park in Leigh; Astley Green Colliery, Arley Hall and Haigh Hall Country Park and the Bickershaw development site, along with Wigan Pier and Trencherfield Mill.
• The Leigh Branch leaves the main line, just east of lock 52, extending to the Bridgewater Canal in the centre of Leigh. It passes through a landscape once spoiled by mining but now painstakingly restored to parkland and a flourishing haven for varied wildlife.
• British Waterways cares for and maintains the nation's 2,200 mile network of canals and inland waterways, working in partnership with private companies, local authorities, voluntary groups and other government agencies to protect and enhance the waterways and benefit the communities through which they run.