Prince Of Wales Visits Sowerby Bridge Wharf Regeneration Project
24 November 2008
HRH The Prince of Wales visited Sowerby Bridge Wharf, West Yorkshire today (Monday 24 November 2008) to see first hand the extensive conservation and regeneration work that has been achieved there.
The project to regenerate the area was established by his charity; The Prince’s Regeneration Trust, in 1996 when the wharf was in a state of decline and dereliction.
The project has conserved and restored a unique collection of historic canal buildings, as well as helped to benefit and support the existing businesses at the wharf. At the same time drawing new, growing businesses to the area and attracting visitors to this historically important site.
The regeneration of the wharf has been delivered through the Sowerby Bridge Wharf Partnership established by The Prince’s Regeneration Trust and including Calderdale Council, British Waterways, Yorkshire Forward, the Heritage Lottery Fund and stakeholders in the local community. During his visit, Prince Charles surveyed the restoration work, talked to those involved in the project and met local business people.
The project initially targeted the regeneration of the Grade II Salt Warehouse and the Grade II No. 4 Warehouse that lie at the heart of the wharf, leading to the creation of new industrial space and offices. The successful sustainable re-use of both warehouses has in turn encouraged further development of the wharf; creating pubs, restaurants, and shops.
The partnership is delighted with the success of the re-development. Ros Kerslake, Chief Executive of The Prince’s Regeneration Trust, said: “The visit by His Royal Highness will help to highlight this impressive project, which is the culmination of many years’ work by a large number of committed individuals and organisations, as well as underlining The Prince’s personal interest and full support of the ongoing regeneration work his Trust undertakes nationally.”
“The regeneration of this historic wharf has had an immense impact locally; Sowerby Bridge now has a new role as a significant business and leisure base in West Yorkshire. Traditional crafts such as the repair and fitting out of narrow boats now co-exist alongside new modern business enterprises, all making valuable contributions to the economy of the area.”
British Waterways Property Development Manager Richard Curtis said: “The development at Sowerby Bridge is a wonderful example of what can be achieved through partnership working. The project has re-animated an area which had declined and has helped provide leisure facilities and opportunities for successful businesses and many jobs.”
Sowerby Bridge was historically an area of economic importance as the waterway was used for commercial traffic in the 18th and 19th centuries. The wharf operated as a trans-shipment point at the junction of the Rochdale Canal and the Calder and Hebble Navigation. The development of other forms of transport in the early 20th century led to the eventual decline of the wharf, the waterway becoming redundant and the surrounding buildings abandoned as the once thriving business community disappeared.
By the end of the 20th century the buildings had fallen into a state of complete disrepair following years of non-use. In particular the two warehouses, the Grade II Salt Warehouse and the Grade II No. 4 Warehouse, were in chronic need of restoration. The area was first earmarked for regeneration by The Prince’s Regeneration Trust over 10 years ago.
The wharf is now a significant tourist destination where visitors are attracted by the historic ambience and water-based activity, and by the bars and restaurants. The town is once again a thriving community with the Sowerby Bridge Wharf at its heart.
Ends
Editor’s notes:
The Sowerby Bridge Wharf area is around the basin at the head of the Calder and Hebble Navigation and is bounded on the south by the Rochdale Canal.
Sowerby Bridge was built as a medieval river crossing on the way to Sowerby, a settlement that dates back to the 10th century. In the late 1700s the waterway was linked with other industrial centres, firstly in West Yorkshire, and subsequently across the country to Manchester. From the beginning of the 20th century, motorised transport began to affect the popularity of the waterway system and over the last 50 years its use as a commercial route stopped. The closure of the Rochdale Canal in 1952 left Sowerby Bridge isolated at the end of a canal section. Many of the wharf buildings were forced to shut due to lack of investment.
In 1996 The Prince’s Regeneration Trust approached Calderdale Council and adopted the Sowerby Bridge Wharf as a pilot project for regeneration, and a partnership was established to bring together key stakeholders and progress the project.
In 2001 the partnership commenced work on The Salt Warehouse, used for storing salt that had arrived by boat from Cheshire, and the No. 4 Warehouse.
The construction contract was completed in 2004 and in 2005 the project won the Waterways Trust and British Urban Regeneration Association (BURA) Historic Environment Award.
The Prince’s Regeneration Trust
The Prince’s Regeneration Trust’s projects enable under used or redundant buildings to perform a new function, unlocking a regeneration of the wider community. The Trust works across the United Kingdom sharing learning and experience through its projects.
The Heritage Lottery Fund
Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage for present and future generations to take part in, learn from and enjoy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage. HLF has supported more than 26,000 projects, allocating over £4billion across the UK. Website: www.hlf.org.uk.
For more info contact:
Marcus Stanton
T: 020 8540 5393
E: marcus_stanton@btopenworld.com
Gemma Colbert
T: 020 7462 6442
E: gemma.colbert@princes-regeneration.org