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The Lune Aqueduct, Lancaster Canal (MAP)

£2 Million Overhaul For A Wonder Of The UK Waterways

The Lune Aqueduct, built by John Rennie almost 250 years ago, is set for a £2 million 21st Century makeover.

The Lune Aqueduct has been awarded a grant of £1million pound by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to transform the 200 year old Grade I listed structure which carries the picturesque Lancaster Canal over the River Lune. British Waterways will match fund the project with £1.25million funding with contributions from Lancaster City Council, Lancashire County Council and Lancaster Canal Trust.

British Waterways submitted detailed plans to the HLF in September following two years of studies and surveys to develop a plan to restore the iconic Aqueduct into its former glory.

The proposed programme of works include repairing the canal and aqueduct channel, removing vegetation and graffiti, undertaking re-pointing and masonry repairs, as well as improving access between the aqueduct and the River Lune. Also large scale landscaping works will increase the prominence of the aqueduct against the landscape. A new visitor car park will also be created.

The funding will provide for the temporary employment of a community engagement officer to manage a range of volunteering and educational opportunities.

The scheme will be completed with an interpretation plan tied to the canal heritage and environment which will include a teaching resource aimed at the local schools. The plans will make the Grade I listed aqueduct more accessible and visually appealing to visitors, in addition to underpinning the structural integrity of the historic aqueduct for decades to come.

Works commenced in January 2011 with the first construction phase which includes relining the canal channel and the masonry repairs to the aqueduct trough. The remaining masonry repairs, access and landscaping works will be completed over the next two years.

Julie Sharman, head of regeneration north, British Waterways said: “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. 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.”

Sara Hilton, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund North West, said:
“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. This award from HLF 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, whilst ensuring it is preserved for future generations.”

British Waterways will be hosting a Stoppage Open Day on 9 February where members of the public are invited to experience a ‘behind the scenes’ tour of repairs to the Lune Aqueduct on the Lancaster Canal. For further information visit www.waterscape.com

The Lune Aqueduct is a navigable aqueduct that carries the Lancaster Canal over the River Lune, on the east side of the City of Lancaster in Lancashire, England. It is was completed in 1797 at a total cost of £48,320.18s.10d. It is a Grade I listed building.

The UK canal system was key to the industrial revolution, with the Lancaster Canal being the main conduit for the economic development of Cumbria and Lancashire for over 100 years.

The Canal was built during the 1790s with John Rennie being appointed as its Chief Engineer. Built between 1794-97, and possibly the singular best piece of Rennie’s work, the Lune Aqueduct is the most impressive feature of the whole canal, carrying the canal 50 feet above the River Lune of over 600ft.

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