Stretford Boatyard

The yard in 1960

 

 

Early map before the Essoldo Cinema was built in the 1930's showing the original Brigewater Wharf.

 

 

 

 

The redevelopment of Stretford Boatyard

 

 

 

There has been evidence of buildings on the site of Stretford Boadyard since the late 1800's. Samuel Massey describes the area in his book “A History of Stretford”, published in 1976:

Extract from “A History of Stretford” by Samuel Massey.

(John Sherratt & Sons, Altrincham 1976) p.61.

At one time there was considerable boat-building in the Stretford district.  There were barges plying on the Bridgewater Canal.  The oldest was Henry Rathbone & Son, with a yard on the canal bank off Edge Lane on the south side of the bridge.

Another Rathbone firm (proprietor a cousin of the former) commenced business at a yard constructed near Longford Bridge where there was a dry dock.

About the year 1900 another firm, Fellowes, Morton & Clayton, commenced business on the railway side of Edge Lane Bridge, on the current site of Stretford Boatyard, but after a few years this business closed down.

Inman’s Rustic Works were on the Canal side, Edge Lane, adjacent to the first Rathbone’s yard.

Click here to see the early growth and development of the site in pictures.

In 2007, after some pressure from barge owner James Strangeways, work began on cleaning up the boatyard again with the intention of restoring it to its former glory days.

'Stretford Boatyard aims to stay afloat' (31st January)

By Lynsey Roberts of the messenger newspaper

BOAT owners at Stretford boat yard are pulling out all the stops in an effort to return the site to its former glory. Over recent years the yard, off Edge Lane, has been allowed to fall into a state of disrepair. But for barge owner James Strangeways, the final straw was when electricity and telephone lines were cut before Christmas and he is now leading the attempt to breath life into the area he refers to as the former "capital of the Bridgewater Canal."He said: "What I'm frightened about is we are going to lose this as a working site when we've had one in Stretford for 200 years."It would be a shame if it were to go. It was the centre of the Bridgewater Canal at one point."We were told the yard would be cleared by Christmas with all the wreckage removed from the site but it's an absolute tip and I'm worried about its future."James has been involved in a number of discussions with landowners, Peel Holdings, hoping to sort out an agreement that will enable him and other interested parties to take over management of the site so they can bring about the desired changes. He claims it has now been agreed the boat owners will be given keys for the gates but will not be able to take over the lease. He added: "We want to clear the site, it's a disgrace but what we need to get clear from Peel Holdings is whether we have permission to do this. We are worried that we could get the site up and running and they'll turn and say thank you, see you later.'""I'd like to see it as a public boat yard with proper moorings and a working repair yard. It would be wonderful for it to be developed in the right sort of way. It could be really good for Stretford."They could put in a cycle lanes and information boards and you could hire boats but I'm worried it could be left derelict for years before any sort of development. "James also believes community involvement in the restoration of the yard could prove beneficial when applying for any lottery grants in the future. Peel Holdings were unavailable for comment.

old boats in the yard

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Update

July 2013.  Trafford Council Have now come up with a masterplan for Stretfor which does not include the boatyard at Stretford.

Dear Sir/Madam

 

Trafford Council has prepared the draft Stretford Town Centre Masterplan to provide a framework for delivering the successful regeneration of Stretford Town Centre over the next 10-15 years.

 

The ambition is to secure the revitalisation of Stretford Town Centre and create a unique town centre that meets the needs of the local community.  Successful implementation of the Masterplan will enable the town centre to maximise the opportunities of its key assets and create a strong and attractive town centre that is a destination of choice for local people.

 

We are now very keen to see what you think about the draft vision for Stretford Town Centre and the strategy for its regeneration.  A public consultation of the draft Masterplan will therefore be held between 24 July 2013 and 18 September 2013.

 

You can provide your views in several ways:

§  Visit the Council website at www.trafford.gov.uk and complete the online questionnaire

§  Pick up a questionnaire – details on the website

§  Email your suggestions to [email protected]

 

You can also visit one of the following consultation events:

§  5 September - Stretford Mall, The Hive (10am-4pm) 

§  7 September – Stretford Mall, The Hive (11am-3pm) 

§  16 September - St Matthews Church Hall (6.30pm) 

§  20 September - Stretford Mall, The Hive (11am-3pm) 

 

The first 2 and the final event are drop in sessions.  The 16 September event is a Neighbourhood Forum / Public Meeting

 

Please ensure all comments and questionnaire responses are submitted no later than 5.00pm on Wednesday 18 September 2013.  Your views will be contributing to the long term future of Stretford.

 

Yours faithfully

 

Mike Reed

Growth and Masterplan Manager

Economic Growth Team

Trafford Council

1st Floor, Waterside House

Sale Waterside

Sale

M33 7ZF

 

Tel: 0161 912 4176

Email: [email protected]

 

I have made a comment to the team,

 

"I would like to point out the historic value of Stretford Boatyard in relation to the Bridgewater Canal.
The Essoldo Cinema was built on the original Bridgewater Canal Wharf, and the existing boatyard was the
Manchester Depot for the Fellows Morton and Clayton Carrying company.
  It would be a great shame if Stretford was to lose altogether its historic connection to this important waterway as the  major centre of activity on the canal.
There were at one time more than three working boatyards in Stretford, and it was an important transhipment depot
with the railway. 
 There is no reason why a passenger service operating from the boatyard could not be reintroduced in conjunction with the metro, and an activity centre on the canal would give an opportunity for the local community to be involved in the waterway."
with kind regards,
James Strangeways

 

Lionel is still in residence and has recently lost one of his cats, that seems to have been poisoned.

 

The yard in July 2013

 

Being no longer at the yard does not mean that I am not still concerned that the important heritage of this Boatyard is lost.  You never know- We May Be Back!