£230,000 Lottery Grant Set To Bring Sankey Canal Heritage Back to Life
A major new project is set to transform a historic stretch of the Sankey Canal in Blackbrook, St Helens, thanks to a £230,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Sankey Canal: Connecting Communities & Heritage is a project that will protect important heritage features, improve access to the canal, enhance wildlife habitats and help local people reconnect with one of the area’s most remarkable historic landmarks.
The project will be led by Groundwork, working in partnership with Sankey Canal Restoration Society, St Helens Council and Canal & River Trust. It will shine a spotlight on the story of England’s first industrial canal while creating new opportunities for people to explore, learn and get involved.
Protecting a Unique Piece of History
The Sankey Canal played a pioneering role in Britain’s industrial past and remains an important part of St Helens’ heritage.
However, local consultation carried out in 2025 highlighted the need for improvements to make this section of the canal more accessible and to raise awareness of significant historic features, including:
- Broad Oak Basin, an important but little-known part of the canal’s story.
- The Old Double Lock, believed to be the world’s first staircase lock and now in urgent need of repair.
The project will help safeguard these historic assets for future generations through conservation work, interpretation and improved access.
Improving Nature and Access
As well as celebrating the area’s history, the project will protect and enhance this designated Local Wildlife Site.
Planned activities include:
- Removing invasive species such as Himalayan balsam.
- Improving woodland management around Broad Oak Basin.
- Training local volunteers in wildlife identification and recording.
- Creating opportunities for practical conservation work.
Access improvements will also make it easier for people to enjoy the area. The former canal towpath will be resurfaced, creating a more accessible route to Broad Oak Basin and linking with the new Whint Bridge footbridge recently constructed by St Helens Council.
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.
Helen Featherstone, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Supporting Local Volunteers
The project will provide new resources and equipment for volunteers from Sankey Canal Restoration Society, who play a vital role in caring for the canal and sharing its story with the local community.
A new tool store and additional equipment will help volunteers continue their important conservation and restoration work.
Peter Jordan, Senior Programme Manager, from Groundwork said: “We are thrilled to have received this support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players people will be able to easily visit and learn about this important part of the history of Blackbrook, Haydock and Parr.”
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.”
