Historic aqueduct goes under the spotlight once more

We havee installed a new energy efficient floodlight at Stanley Ferry Aqueduct near Wakefield during a project to improve lighting in the area.

The lamp has been installed during works to replace the entire lighting system at the nearby Stanley Ferry workshops which produce dozens of new lock gates each year. The project has seen modern, efficient lighting installed which will save around 67,000 kilowatts of electricity each year – enough to power the nearby Standedge Visitor Centre for 12 months.

Save around 67,000 kilowatts of electricity each year

Stanley Ferry Aqueduct was built between 1836 and 1839 and has national significance as one of the earliest through-arch bridges in the world – opening a full 100 years before the world’s most famous example, Sydney Harbour Bridge. 

It is thought to be the largest aqueduct built from cast iron and is designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument and a Grade 1 Listed building. It was designed by George Leather Jnr and built by H. McIntosh to carry a 50-metre long stretch of the Aire & Calder Navigation over the River Calder.

Gavin Beat, Green Plan developer for the Trust said; “Local people are rightly proud of the aqueduct, it’s an important part of the area’s history, and this modest but effective system is an opportunity to celebrate its position as a lasting landmark.

“The lighting improvements we’ve made will save thousands of pounds each year, reduce CO2 emissions and have enabled us to put a prominent local landmark back on the map.

Prominent local landmark back on the map

“We hope this is just the beginning in raising the profile of the local waterways and encouraging more people to come and spend time exploring the area’s rich history.”

To find out more about how we are reducing energy consumption on the nation’s waterways and caring for the environment go to: www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us/environment/the-green-plan