The restoration of the 18th century Wier Cottages is hoped to attract tourists to Nottingham.
Historically, the 18th-century cottages were once a work place for boat men and their heavy horses, which were used to pull narrow boats along the canal.
Now, the building will be extended and restored, creating a heritage, education and arts centre with canal museum, community garden, cafe and cycle hire centre.
Paul Hunt, Director at Julian Owen Associates Architects said;
‘We’ve been involved with the project for a few years now. We managed to get the planning approval from Broxtowe Borough Council. Since then, Stuart and the other trustees have been very busy putting the project together; getting all the relevant approvals and leases.’
Picture: The design for the new building, which is currently being show to local people.
‘This fantastic project will put Beeston’s canal back on the map, bringing a lot of people in to the area but at the same time, it’s really a local project for local people.’
– Paul Hunt, Director at Julian Owen Associates Architects
‘It’s a very popular spot already, because of sports, fishing and cycling and I think it’ll bring even more to the area’, says Mr Hunt.
The transformed Weir Cottages, which were once occupied by canal employees and a blacksmith should give visitors more in the way of historical context for the area, attracting tourists in to Nottingham.
The terrace of four houses, built for men who worked on the canal system have been derelict for years.
Mr Hunt says: ‘The project is almost three in one; we’ve got the restoration of the original cottages, which add a museum element. The main part of the building will be upgraded, making it a nicer place to be. Then there’s the new extension to the rear, which will make use of renewable technologies and recent materials’.
‘This makes the project unusual and more challenging to work on, but very satisfying and we look forward to it’.
Picture: Paul Hunt and colleague discuss the plans for the lock’s cottages
As part of the refurbishment, the outside of the cottages will have the pebble-dash rendering removed, and a slate roof added. Inside, the cottages will be as they were historically with just a coal fire.
The cottages will be restored as closely to the originals as possible, but keeping their historic charm has created a few challenges.
The main problem with the restoration is that the cottages are located in the middle of an island surrounded by the Trent, Beeston Lock and Cut, making them difficult to reach.
The work was began by the Canalside Heritage Centre and The Heritage Lottery Fund has given £687,200 towards the £865,500 cost of the project.
The trust is supported by Nottinghamshire County Council’s Local Improvement scheme, which raised the money by organising fundraising events and with the help of donations.
The project is scheduled for completion in 2017.
