Anderton Boat Lift: Engineering the Future project

About Anderton Boat Lift

Anderton Boat Lift, one of the Seven Wonders of the Waterways, needs urgent work to prevent it from falling into disrepair and facing possible closure. We're planning a vital project to refurbish the Lift to ensure it remains operational for future generations and to preserve this vital connection to our industrial past.

The Lift is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument and is a priceless piece of the Canal & River Trust's living heritage. The unique 150-year-old structure was the world’s first major commercial boat lift and is internationally significant as a feat of engineering design.

Following a period of disrepair, the Lift was brought back to life through a complete restoration over 20 years ago and although we constantly invest in the upkeep and maintenance of the structure, now major work to upgrade its systems is a priority. The Lift requires blast cleaning, repairing and repainting with an innovative technical coating system. Also, installing a new operating system will improve reliability.

In addition to the refurbishment work required to preserve and protect the iconic structure, the Engineering The Future project has plans to invest in the Visitor Centre and create an even better day out. Local communities and visitors from throughout the UK will be welcomed with an inspirational and inclusive experience. We will celebrate Anderton through installing new event spaces and high quality accessible facilities, adding more play areas and providing more opportunities for activities, skills and education programmes.

Project timetable

Work is well underway with Lift engineering works and also in producing detailed designs for the Visitor Centre and grounds. During this process a wide range of boating, tourism and other stakeholders have been consulted to discuss and shape our plans.

The next step is to apply for funding, which will support project delivery. The timeline of our plans has altered slightly since the original bid, because in the three years since the original grant was awarded, external factors such as inflation - particularly in the construction sector - have placed pressure on the project and the cost of essential works has increased. There have also been some necessary changes to the project scope, so while we revisit our application there will be a delay to our original plans.

The Trust is now seeking funding from National Lottery Heritage Fund at the national level and will be submitting a development phase grant application in spring of 2026.

Thanks to National Lottery players