Historic boatyard awarded £4.5m heritage funding

A historic working boatyard in Shropshire has been awarded £4.5m towards restoration and development work.

Earlier this year, the Canal and River Trust applied to Shropshire Council to change the use of some of the buildings at Ellesmere Yard into offices, craft units, shops, visitor areas and education spaces.

The yard on the Llangollen Canal opened in 1806, and has been a key part of the region's canal maintenance network since its establishment, the trust said.

Liz Bates, from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, which has provided the funding, said it will help to maintain the site as a working yard and will support the trust "to sustain this for many more years to come".

The funding follows discussions with residents, businesses, and partners to shape plans for the yard, the trust said.

Some historic buildings will be repaired, alongside the creation of spaces for community activity, independent heritage crafts and businesses, with the addition of of accessible ramps, footpaths and a new storage building.

"Ellesmere Yard is a special place because its history is still part of everyday life," Stuart Mills, chief investment officer, said.

"It has supported the canal for over 200 years and remains a working yard today.

"This award gives us the opportunity to care for its historic buildings, welcome more people in and create new uses that will help the site thrive for years to come."

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