Plans to secure the future of one of the canal network’s most historic working yards are moving ahead after we were awarded £4,540,000 by National Lottery players and The National Lottery Heritage Fund for the delivery phase of our Forging Ahead project.
About Ellesmere Yard
Built in 1806 on the Llangollen Canal, Ellesmere Yard was once the office and workshops of the Ellesmere Canal Company. More than two centuries later, it remains an important base for our canal maintenance teams. The project will protect the 200 years of unbroken operation while bringing historic buildings back into use and opening more of the site for people to enjoy.
The funding follows a successful development phase in which we worked with residents, businesses, and partners to shape plans for the yard. Delivery will include repairs and improvements to historic buildings, alongside spaces for community activity, heritage interpretation and independent heritage crafts and businesses. The plans will make it easier for visitors to discover the people, skills and stories that have shaped Ellesmere Yard.
A special place
Stuart Mills, chief investment officer, said: “Ellesmere Yard is a special place because its history is still part of everyday life. It has supported the canal for over 200 years and remains a working yard today. This award gives us the opportunity to care for its historic buildings, welcome more people in and create new uses that will help the site thrive for years to come.
“We’re grateful to everyone who shared their ideas during the development phase. Their input has helped us shape a project that respects what makes the yard unique while creating more opportunities for the local community to be part of its future.”
