Rescuing Evesham’s iconic former lock-keeper’s house

Published: Wednesday, 03 February 2021

PUBLIC feedback is being sought for a project that will Rescue Evesham’s former lock-keeper’s house and create a new riverside Volunteer Activity Centre close to the heart of the town.

Avon Navigation Trust’s (ANT) innovative plan will include the launch of a new ANT youth squad and aims to bring boat hire back to the area.

Boat handling courses

It will also provide an outdoor education area and nature trail on the wildlife haven lock island, plus boat handling courses for all ages.

Evesham Town Council has enthusiastically endorsed The Evesham Lock House Volunteer Activity Centre scheme, which it has put forward for funding from Wychavon District Council’s Community Legacy Grant scheme, fuelled by the New Homes Bonus payments, with the Mayor of Evesham, Councillor Sue Amor, telling:

EveshamLockHouseFeedback from the public

“We will be in competition with other projects across Wychavon and the more feedback we get from the public, the greater our case will be.

“The scheme ticks a lot of the items on the Town Plan wish list: making more use of our river; providing health and wellbeing benefits for all ages and improving the local economy by attracting visitors, as well as protecting a landmark building.”

 

Teaching centre

Avon Navigation Trust, working in partnership with Stand Up Paddleboarding experts Bonkers Activities, has already turned the historic workboat Neptune into a unique mobile volunteering activity and teaching centre.

EveshamLockHouseFloodThe 60-year-old vessel will be based at the island, where work is due to start this winter if the grant is approved.

The project will protect the famous landmark A-shaped former lock-keeper’s cottage on stilts, which is celebrated as a waterways’ icon.

Constructed in 1972 for £8,000, it was damaged and rendered unusable by two floods.

Wide opportunities

“Renovating and repurposing the house as our centre for adult volunteering and the Avon Navigation Trust youth squad will open up wide opportunities for people to learn new skills and make a big difference,” says Chief Executive Clive Matthews, adding:

“To help make this vision a reality and add this great facility to the town, please visit the website and complete the short survey questions.”