The Sankey Canal in Blackbrook is set to benefit from a £230,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The project aims to enhance and protect the heritage, wildlife and accessibility of England’s first industrial canal.
Key features to be repaired
Funding will focus on repairing and interpreting key heritage features, including the Old Double Lock—the world’s first staircase lock—and the Broad Oak Basin, a historically significant but now largely forgotten part of the canal.
Plans also include resurfacing the towpath to improve accessibility, connecting it to the wider footpath network via the new Whint footbridge. Conservation activities and community training, such as wildlife recording, invasive species removal, and woodland management, are also part of the scheme.
Community and heritage support
Helen Featherstone, director for England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: "Industrial heritage is incredibly significant across the North of England, including the story of our canals. Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, we are proud to support Groundwork to conserve and safeguard elements of the Sankey Canal around Broad Oak Basin and ensure that our industrial heritage and stories are celebrated for many years to come."
The Sankey Canal opened in 1757 to carry coal from St Helens to the River Mersey. Commercial traffic declined during the 20th century, and the canal officially closed in 1963. While much of the waterway remains, some sections were filled in or cut off by roads and railways, though restoration work has been ongoing since the 1980s. Today, the route is better known as a walking and cycling trail.
Partnership and future plans
The scheme is a joint effort between Groundwork, St Helens Council, the Sankey Canal Restoration Society, and the Canal & River Trust. Barrie Pennington, Chair of Sankey Canal Restoration Society, said: “The award will transform what is probably the earliest colliery basin in the country and its footpaths and create a heritage/nature trail with access for all. In addition, the first canal double locks in England will receive vital and much needed maintenance. The funding will allow the public to witness a remarkable heritage site.”
The Sankey Canal trail route spans flat, scenic paths past old locks, green parks, and industrial heritage sites like the Nine Arches Viaduct, a Grade I-listed structure designed by George Stephenson and opened in 1830.
