Anderton anniversary year prepares for liftoff
IT’S almost time for liftoff as events get under way later this month to mark the 20th anniversary of Anderton Boat Lift’s millennium restoration.
Operated by the Canal & River Trust, the visitor attraction in Northwich, Cheshire, will be hosting a whole season of events, including winter works open days, a steam fair weekend and 10k run in May, as well as dozens of behind-thescenes tours and family fun activity days.
Destinations manager Ani Sutton said: “As people visit us over the anniversary year we hope to share with them news of a major multi-millionpound refurbishment which is due to take place in the next two years.
“The black iron structure needs repainting, the control system upgrading and the hydraulic ram cylinders, which support the two caissons, potentially need remedial work. We are still awaiting specialist engineering reports, however the long term plan is to start a major upgrade and repair programme, probably in 2023.” The anniversary year opens with two winter works public open days on the weekend of February 26 and 27 when trust engineers will shine a light on the constant challenge of keeping the lift in good working order.
Visitors will be given access and insight into the lift’s complex mechanism and be able to see work in progress as the gate seals are replaced on one of the caissons – the giant tanks which transport boats up and down the lift.
Originally constructed in 1875 to connect the Trent & Mersey Canal with the River Weaver Navigation 50ft below, the lift operated for more than 100 years before it was closed down in 1983 due to safety concerns caused by extensive corrosion.
More than £7 million was raised to fund a major restoration in 2000 and it started operating again on March 26, 2002 to great fanfare, followed by an official opening of the lift and new visitor centre by HRH The Prince of Wales on April 28, 2003.
The 20th anniversary of that first boat passage will be marked on Saturday, March 26, 2022, with public celebrations on site, and regular boat trips will start again for the summer season on April 1.
For the latest news and information about events at Anderton Boat Lift visit www.canalrivertrust.org.uk Places on the winter works open days in February are free but need to be booked in advance.