We're stabilising the brick- lock wall. The lock is a heritage listed asset, and the works will be done with the utmost care; dismantling the minimum number of historic bricks. Once the necessary Listed Building Consent is in place, it will be expertly rebuilt reusing as many bricks as possible.
The works
Our engineers had hoped to carry out the heritage repairs alongside other planned maintenance work on the lock flight this winter. Unfortunately, thorough investigations show that the work can’t wait, and an extensive and costly repair is required immediately. The problem was initially highlighted by boaters who were having trouble navigating the lock. This type of feedback plays a valuable part in supporting our rolling inspection programme.
We're working closely with the Bromsgrove and Redditch Council conservation team to agree the scope of the restoration work. We expect to invest over £500,000 in these necessary works.
The navigation will remain closed until the repair work is completed. We will provide regular updates on progress on its website. The exact timeline of the works will not be known until the wall has been dismantled and full investigations completed. Indicatively, the Trust expects the flight to remain closed until the end of August. Ascending the flight, the last winding hole is above Lock 23: boats will not be able to turn around beyond this point.,
The towpath will also be closed with a diversion in place using local footpaths.
Situated on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal, Tardebigge is the longest lock flight in Britain, with 30 locks carrying narrowboats 220 feet uphill and downhill over two-and-a-quarter miles. The top lock is particularly deep because it was the site of an experimental vertical boat lift before it was replaced with a conventional lock. Opened in 1815, the canal was dug out by hand for the transportation of porcelain pots and Cadbury's chocolate, and is now popular with leisure boats, cutting into the heart of Birmingham at Gas Street Basin.
Our absolute priority
Henriette Breukelaar, our West Midlands’ regional director, said: “Tardebigge Locks is Britain’s longest lock flight. It is loved and much used by boaters and walkers alike. I appreciate that many people will be very disappointed that we have had to close the site during the summer months. Our charity will undertake the necessary works to a very high standard and in line with the heritage considerations of this Grade II-listed site. Please be assured that completing the works and reopening the canal and the towpath as soon as possible is our absolute priority.
“This illustrates some of the challenges we face in maintaining this amazing working heritage: a 2,000-mile network of canals that are open to the elements and vulnerable to a changing climate. We’re out every day working to keep the canals open for navigation and the thousands of centuries-old locks, bridges and tunnels safe and in good working order. All this comes at a cost, and we welcome people’s support, through donating, volunteering, or spreading the word about our charity, to help us keep canals alive for years to come.”
Local people are also being invited to get involved with caring for the Worcester & Birmingham Canal, including at Tardebigge. The Trust is looking for conservator volunteers to help the charity clear weeds, reeds and overgrown bushes along the region's towpaths and locks, making a huge difference whilst learning more about the canal. More information on our opportunity page: Conservation Volunteer (Worcester-Birmingham Vegetation Team) | Canal & River Trust Volunteering
