The Lune Aqueduct
The Lune Aqueduct in Lancaster has been awarded £1 million by the Heritage Lottery Fund for rebuilding works, match-funded with a £1.25 million investment by British Waterways, Lancaster City Council, Lancashire County Council and the Lancaster Canal Trust
“The Lune Aqueduct is a masterpiece of engineering and a striking example of the impact the industrial revolution had both on the local landscape and the development of the region,” said Heritage Lottery Fund North West boss Sara Hilton.
“This award will mean that the historic features of the aqueduct will be conserved, and public access improved so that more people will be able to explore and enjoy this heritage treasure, ensuring it is preserved for future generations.”
The works aim to make the landmark more accessible and attractive to visitors, including the provision of a temporary community engagement officer to run volunteering and educational schemes around the site.
British Waterways applied for the funding following two years of investigations into restoring the aqueduct. Channel repairs, vegetation and graffiti removal, repointing and masonry repairs, landscaping and improved access and facilities are among the programme of renovations planned in a project expected to take two years to complete.
“We are delighted to be awarded this significant amount of money from the Heritage Lottery Fund to rejuvenate this fantastic piece of English waterway heritage,” said British Waterways regeneration planner Julie Sharman.
“The planned works will refurbish the Aqueduct’s historic masonry and stonework and visually and physically open up this magnificent structure to the local and visiting public.”
- British Waterways will be hosting a Stoppage Open Day on February 9 with behind-the-scenes tours of the repairs. Visit www.waterscape.com for details.
