The project to restore Nantwich’s historic aqueduct has scooped a national prize.
Conserve Nantwich Aqueduct project by Canal and Rivers Trust won the Restoration and Historic Environment Category at the Living Waterways Awards in Birmingham.
The Grade II listed aqueduct, at the end of Welsh Row A534, underwent a two-month restoration a year ago.
The £235,000 work involved removing layers of old paint from the aqueduct’s structure, replacing a missing cast iron panel, repairs to the stone and brickwork and applying four coats of new paint.
Overhanging vegetation was also removed and new signage and interpretation will also be installed.
The project was funded by the Trust – the charity that cares for 2,000 miles of canals and rivers in England and Wales – as well as Cheshire East Council, Nantwich Council, The Pilgrim Trust, Acton, Edleston and Henhull Parish councils and Nantwich Partnership.
Sarah Lalieu, enterprise manager for the Trust, said: “We were very proud to collect the award on behalf of the project Partnership.
“A great team effort and thanks to all involved in making this project happen!”
The structure, dating back to 1826, was designed by Thomas Telford, one of the country’s most revered civil engineers.
The aqueduct carries the Shropshire Union Canal over the A534 Chester Road – one of the main routes into the centre of Nantwich.
Narrowboats used it to carry coal, clay, iron ore and other materials between London, Birmingham, Stoke-on-Trent, Manchester and Liverpool.
Totally agree with Steve, £235,000 to remove old paint, repaint and some other minor work would cover nearly a dozen people at £20k per year!!!!.
I feel sure others would have done this for a lot less.
Grade two mate add £000 I know!!
£235,000.00 really?