I was delighted to welcome news that Historic England has awarded £252,282 to support the Canal & River Trust at Ellesmere Port’s National Waterways Museum.
This funding will enable essential repairs and conservation work to the Grade II listed pumphouse and access bridge.
Once the work is completed, the pumphouse will reopen to the public. Years of wet and dry rot have caused serious deterioration to the roof and structural timbers, with temporary supports currently in place to prevent collapse. This investment will help safeguard an important part of our local industrial heritage for future generations.
The pumping station, which first opened in 1874 and was expanded in 1910, provided power for dockside cranes and delivered high-pressure water across the dock complex — playing a vital role in Ellesmere Port’s history.