 |
The
Dock Road Edwardian Pumping Station offers a unique opportunity for
all the family to take a step back into an age when machinery was at
its most glorious. A visit provides an opportunity to see the
machinery in action and hear about the historical significance of this
exciting educational site from wardens. The noise and splendour of the
working machinery create an atmosphere of power and tradition.
The Pumping Station, is the only one of its kind where the public can
experience fully operational gas fired engines and pumps in their
original setting. . . . |
 |
The Pumping Station, a Grade
II Listed Building, was built by Northwich Urban District Council in
1913 and for over sixty years was used for pumping sewage from parts
of Northwich to the Wallerscote Treatment Works. Before it was
built, untreated sewage was discharged directly into the river,
causing widespread pollution.
The Station was equipped with two single- cylinder Crossley gas-fired engines and two Haywood Tyler triplex lift and force pumps, capable of pumping 9,600 gallons per hour. In later years, electric pumps, capable of pumping 36,000 gallons per hour replaced these but the originals have been restored. . |
 |
In 1993, the Civic Trust in
the North West, on behalf of the current owners, North West Water,
co-ordinated the restoration of the site as a heritage visitor
facility, gas-fired pumps and engines were fully restored by North West
Water employees, working voluntarily. The engines and pumps are
demonstrated regularly by enthusiastic and knowledgeable wardens.
A Management Committee, with representatives of local interest and
other specialist groups, provided guidance to Pauline Roscoe &
Associates, the managing agents. . . . |
 |
Opening Generally between 2 - 5 pm Sundays and Public Holiday Weekends from Easter to the end of September. Group visits at other times by arrangement. Admission charges - Adults 50p, concessionary 25p The Pumping Station is situated near the Salt Museum which has tourist direction signs to assist visitors. Access to the Pumping Station is from Weir Street, off London Road, A533, Northwich, Cheshire England. There is on-site parking and access is suitable for disabled visitors. People visiting the Pumping Station do so at their own risk. . |
 |
Booklet North West Water has recently published a 44-page paperback that describes the history, including the restoration of the Pumping Station, and the part it played in discharging sewage from parts of the centre of Northwich across the Weaver Navigation where it was treated. The booklet will fascinate those with an interest in local history, industrial archaeology and working machines. Besides the informative and easily readable text, there are 6 photographs and 12 illustrations, including technical drawings. Specifications and the English Heritage Listing are also included The Historic Engineering
Appreciation costs £2.50 + 75p p&p. |
| Northwich
Water Heritage Trail The wardens start from the Pumping Station and lead visitors on a route over the River Weaver and Navigation past industrial archaeological features and areas of interest. . |
|
 |
North West
Water North West Water has demonstrated a commitment towards nature conservation, amenity, countryside recreation and industrial heritage interpretation for many years. In addition to the Dock Road Edwardian Pumping Station, the company has successfully restored the once-derelict Bunbury Water Mill, Cheshire into a working flour-mill that is open to visitors. Contact
North West Water |
| Other
Places to Visit The surrounding area also offers a wide variety of attractions, helping to make the Northwich Water Heritage Trail an enthralling family day out. . |
|
 |
Salt
Museum Formerly a workhouse, it now tells the fascinating story of Cheshire's oldest industry using artifacts, models, reconstructions and audio-visual displays. Tel. 01606 41331. . . . |
 |
Anderton
Boat Lift The Lift was one of the wonders of the waterway system and enables boats to be raised or lowered in one of two water tanks between the Weaver Navigation and the Trent and Mersey Canal. It has recently been restored. Tel: 01606 862862. .. . . |
 |
Lion
Salt Works A manned exhibition shows the history of how salt was obtained, prepared and distributed. Tel. 01606 41823 .. |
| Contacts Cheshire County Council Vale Royal Borough Council Northwich British Waterways North West Water . |
| Home | Top |
|
Pauline Roscoe & Associates Heritage and Environmental Management 183 Town Lane Whittle-le-Woods Chorley Lancashire PR6 8AG UK Tel / Fax 01257 260157 Mobile 07944 857741 email pr@pauline-roscoe.co.uk |
|
