Finsley Gate Wharf in Burnley, along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal is set to be revived
The currently unused and run-down Finsley Gate Wharf in Burnley, dating from the early 19th century and one of the oldest on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, is set for a revival as a “leisure destination and community space” under £2.5m Lottery-funded proposals submitted by the Canal & River Trust.
The site includes three historic warehouses, a canal cottage and a blacksmith’s forge, all Grade 2 listed buildings but in a poor state of repair. Following initial agreement from the Heritage Lottery Fund to support emergency repairs while the project was taken forward, a £2.5m grant has now been agreed. This forms part of an HLF programme aimed at putting historic buildings back into use which would not have been commercially viable without additional financial support.
Plans recently submitted to Burnley Council will see the site developed as a community space and attraction with boat hire and trip-boat, a café, visitor accommodation, a function room and learning area aimed at encouraging schools and community groups to visit. Council Leader Mark Townsend said it would: “help to kick-start the regeneration of the part of the historic Weavers’ Triangle area joining Burnley town centre and Burnley Wood.” Subject to approval, work could begin this summer.
