Ideas sought as part of £3M structural makeover of the Lune Aqueduct
31 October 2008
British Waterways will be holding a public consultation on Thursday 30 October between 12.30 – 4.30pm at the Maritime Museum in Lancaster for the forthcoming makeover of the Lune Aqueduct on the Lancaster Canal.
The Magnificent Lune Aqueduct is to be given a £3m facelift as part of ambitious plans to develop Lancaster Canal as a key visitor centre and economic generator for the North West.
The plans will make the Grade I listed aqueduct – which carries the picturesque Lancaster Canal over the River Lune – more accessible and visually appealing to visitors, in addition to underpinning the structural integrity of the aqueduct for decades to come.
The scheme to restore this 200 year old architectural giant has been drawn up by British Waterways North West and in the financial year 2009/10 will deliver:
• A relined canal channel;
• Renew corroded trench sheet wash walls;
• A re-pointed stone aqueduct trough;
• New paving to both sides of canal along aqueduct;
• Re-pointed open joints in masonry arch;
• Rebuilt walls along edge of turning basin south of bridge;
• New drain plug in bed of canal basin;
• Vegetation removal from the structure.
Steve Higham, external funding officer said: "Works to improve this mighty structure will begin in the new financial year. It is important that we gauge the views of as many local people at this consultation to ensure the works we undertake will benefit the local communities as well as key visitors."
A range of additional enhancements would improve access to the site, while further promoting community and visitor engagement with John Rennie’s historic masterpiece.
This additional vision comprises:
• A range of access improvements to enhance linkages between canal and Millennium Cycleway;
• Towpath upgrades;
• Ecologically friendly structural lighting
• Interpretation and signposts, providing information in relation to the structures development and historical significance;
• Ecological improvements including vegetation management and preparation of a landscape management plan;
• Additional safety features;
• Provision of a new visitor car park at Caton Road.
ends
Media enquiries to Helen Hall, PR & Communications Officer on 01942 405788 or 077177 60284
EDITORS NOTES
The proposed programme of works include restoring the historic masonry and brickwork and improving access between the aqueduct and the River Lune, and also large scale landscaping works which will increase the prominence of the aqueduct against the landscape. There are also plans for a sympathetic lighting scheme for this magnificent structure
Once the works are complete, the aqueduct can be utilised as an important environmental, heritage and educational resource for local residents, schools and tourists.
The scheme will be completed with an interpretation plan tied to the canal heritage and environment which will include a teaching resource aimed at the schools.
The UK canal system was key to the industrial revolution, with the Lancaster Canal being the main conduit for the economic development of Cumbria and Lancashire for over 100 years.
The Canal was built during the 1790s with John Rennie being appointed as its Chief Engineer. Built between 1794-97, and possibly the singular best piece of Rennie’s work, the Lune Aqueduct is the most impressive feature of the whole canal, carrying the canal 50 feet above the River Lune of over 600ft.
The aqueduct is constructed of rusticated masonry and features classical detailing, being a fine example of the delicate art of imposing classical form on industrial structures. This design work was carried out in conjunction with the renowned architect Alexander Stevens.
British Waterways cares for a 2,200-mile network of canals and navigable rivers throughout Britain, working to provide a sustainable future for the inland waterways and generate maximum benefit and enjoyment to all from this unique environmental and leisure resource. We work with a broad range of public, private and voluntary sector partners to unlock the potential of the inland waterways and generate income for reinvestment in the waterways for the benefit of the millions who visit and care for the waterways every year. www.britishwaterways.co.uk
The Lancaster Canal is England’s most northerly canal. In the 1960s, the 14-mile (22.5km) Northern Reaches of this beautiful and historic canal were blocked by the construction of the M6. £750,000 of funding has been granted by funding partners, Rural Regeneration Cumbria, South Lakeland District Council, British Waterways, Kendal Town Council and Lancaster Canal Trust for the masterplanning.