Transport – Industrial Heritage Networks

Science and Industry Museum Manchester Partners with Landmark Trust to Create Heritage Holiday Home

May 20, 2023May 17, 2023mikenevell

A pioneering partnership between the Science and Industry museum Manchester and the Landmark Trust will see the Station Agent’s House made available for overnight stay for up to eight people, alongside free public open days. This is one of Manchester’s oldest surviving Georgian houses, and adjoins the Museum’s Grade I listed 1830 Station.

The Station Agent’s House will be the Landmark Trust’s first property in the region, and will join a collection of 200 historic buildings once completed. A final £118,000 is needed to meet the costs of the repair and conversion work, which will include an improved environmental performance through the installation of heat pumps.

The building, on the corner of Liverpool Road and Water Street in Castlefield, was built in 1808 for John Rothwell, partner in a nearby dyeworks. The house then provided accommodation for the Station Agent at Liverpool Road Station before being converted for shop use in the mid 20th century. More recently, the former residential house was used as offices when the Science and Industry Museum opened on the site in 1983. The shop frontage was removed, and a replica of the historic doorway was reinstated. The adjacent 1830 Station is currently being repaired ahead of re-opening to the public in future years as part of the museum’s major conservation and redevelopment plans.

Sally MacDonald, Director of the Science and Industry Museum said “We are delighted that the Landmark Trust will be bringing their expertise in sensitively restoring incredible heritage buildings to enable Station Agent’s House to be experienced by the public for the first time.”

Anna Keay, Director of The Landmark Trust, said the Station Agent’s House “is an outstanding piece of industrial heritage. The building will be sensitively repaired and made available to all through self-catering stays and free public open days. As a charity, the Landmark Trust is committed to saving and sustaining outstanding heritage, and is thrilled to be playing a role in Manchester.’

SS Freshspring Free Family Open Day 30th August 2021

August 19, 2021mikenevell

IHN Cornwall & Devon member SS Freshspring is inviting the public on board for their family open day on Monday 30th August (Bank Holiday Monday) from 11.30am-4pm. The ship, moored along Landivisiau Walk, Bideford quay, will be open to the public for free with a range of children’s activities, entertainment and celebrations to mark the ship’s 75th anniversary. This event is suitable for all ages and there is no charge for entry.

During the day there will be free tours of the ship (learning all about her rich heritage), children’s activities (including rope making and knot tying), as well as a special visit from local children’s author, Anthony Burt, reading his book The Wish Fish which is based upon the Freshspring ship. These interactive reading workshops will last approximately 15 minutes and will take place at 12pm, 2pm and 3.30pm and attendees will receive a free signed copy of the book. Steam engine rides will be running along the quay for both children and adults to enjoy (with a small contribution going towards the charity). There will also be aerial act performances throughout the day.

Local charity, Way of the Wharves, who research and present the history of the wharves and surrounding area of East the Water, Bideford, will also be joining the SS Freshspring to share knowledge of the rich maritime history in North Devon.

Becca Craft, Public Engagement Officer at the Freshspring Trust says, “We are so pleased to be opening over the bank holiday weekend and can’t wait to welcome you on board for our family open day, celebrating our 75th anniversary event. We have lots planned for the day, so please pop along and see us. I always say that we are quite possibly Bideford’s best kept secret and most are unaware of SS Freshspring’s rich history, including how our chairman bought her 8 years ago for £1!”

Due to covid-19 there will still be limited numbers on board and all health and safety instructions will be given to visitors prior to boarding the ship. As well as this event, SS Freshspring is open every Sunday throughout summer (free to visit).