With support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and other key partners, the Yard is set to become a place where heritage meets innovation, offering a curated experience for visitors while preserving its role as a working canal yard.
Preserving heritage and embracing innovation
The Yard will continue to serve as a critical operational base for canal maintenance but with a renewed focus on conserving its historic structures and adapting them for future use. The Grade II and II* listed buildings, such as the forge, pattern room, lock gate shop and dry dock, will undergo necessary repairs and upgrades to ensure their longevity while retaining their original character. These buildings will also provide new opportunities for creative industries, bringing artisans, makers, and entrepreneurs to Ellesmere Yard.
Community and education
The future vision for Ellesmere Yard emphasises its role as a centre for learning and community involvement. The Yard will host volunteer-led heritage tours, skills training, educational programs for local schools, and events for the wider public. By engaging diverse audiences, including young people, neurodiverse individuals and adults at risk of isolation, the Yard will provide meaningful ways for people to connect with heritage and develop new skills.
