Anderton Boat Lift will be open next summer

THOUGH originally told work would start on the Anderton Boat Lift refurbishment in March 2025 it has been decided to keep the lift open until the autumn of next year.

Then the work will commence, but it is still estimated that this will take from 12 to 18 months, meaning that the lift will be closed for the summer of 2026, our being told:

Refurbish

We're delivering a vital project to refurbish Anderton Boat Lift and visitor centre to ensure it remains operational for future generations.

Anderton Boat Lift, Cheshire’s historic ‘Cathedral of the Canals’, needs urgent work to prevent it from falling into disrepair and facing possible closure.

The unique 150 years old structure was the world’s first major commercial boat lift and now requires an upgrade to enable the ageing machinery to continue transporting around 3,000 boats a year between the Trent & Mersey Canal and the Weaver Navigation some 50 feet below. Without the lift, boaters would be forced to make long detours.

Constantly invest

The lift is designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument, and is a priceless piece of our living heritage. It was brought back to life through a complete restoration over 20 years ago and we constantly invest in the upkeep and maintenance of the structure, but now major refurbishment work is required.

The picture above is when the lift was brought into use after its commercial use ended and subsequent neglect, and the picture below is the visitor centre.

In addition to the work required to preserve and protect the iconic structure, there is a plan to invest in the site to enhance the visitor experience and create an even better day out. We will celebrate Anderton through installing new indoor and outdoor event areas, adding more play areas and providing more space for education programmes and opportunities.

It was in December 2022, when the Trust was awarded a £574,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to support the development phase. Also, we are seeking further grant funding and support from local businesses and philanthropists, which will be vital in enabling us to deliver the project.

Well under way

Work is well underway to undertake detailed design of the Lift works and Visitor Centre improvements. We will be engaging a wide range of boating, tourism and other stakeholders to discuss and shape our plans. Once complete the application for Stage 2 funding to support project delivery will be submitted in the spring of 2025.

The lift and grounds will be open for the 2025 summer season, which will include celebrations around the 150th anniversary of Anderton Boat Lift in July. The closure period will be from autumn 2025 and is likely to be 12 to 18 months.