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Historic Ellesmere Yard to get £132K heritage facelift

12th Jan 2009

Historic Ellesmere Yard on the Llangollen Canal is to be transformed from next week, under a £132k partnership project that will safeguard its future and realise its potential as a key visitor destination in the town.

The site has huge historical significance as the former headquarters of legendary canal pioneer Thomas Telford, whose engineering prowess put the borders region on the Industrial Revolution map.

Wales & Border Counties Heritage and Environment Manager Peter Birch said the site dates from around 1800 and its evolution is well documented. “The yard is an outstanding example of living heritage. It has been in continuous use for the past 200 years and still serves its original purpose as a canal company maintenance yard” said Mr Birch.

“Additionally, the wider Ellesmere area is being re-developed to increase its appeal as a visitor destination next year, so it is vital our own infrastructure plays a full role.

Most of the buildings at Ellesmere Yard – Beech House, 1 Beech House, the office, dry dock, blacksmith and joinery shop, and timber store – are Grade II listed structures. The yard also lies within the Ellesmere Conservation Area.

The project has been given additional impetus by the fact that all five of the listed buildings are on the North Shropshire District Council ‘Buildings At Risk’ register.

Now the partnership of North Shropshire District Council, Advantage West Midlands Market Town Initiative and British Waterways is ready to deliver a range of improvements, including:

• Repairs to the joiner’s workshop roof;
• Repairs to the general workshop roof;
• Repair gutters and down-pipes to all roofs;
• North light repairs to the joiner’s workshop;
• Rooflight repairs to the general workshop;
• Window repairs throughout all of the building;
• External wall repairs;
• Internal timber repairs.

BW is currently investigating how the site might be sensitively re-developed, in the future, retaining operational facilities while providing opportunities for heritage-led visitor attraction and economic activity.

North Shropshire District Council has contributed £80k, with £25k coming from Advantage West Midlands Market Towns Initiative scheme, while BW will fund the remaining £27k. The project will complement Ellesmere Gateway, a recent towpath improvement scheme which will add value to the yard refurbishment scheme.

Last updated: 20/01/2009