Lincoln’s Conservatives Candidate at the General Election, Karl McCartney, has met with Peter Harrold, Chairman of the Mary Gordon Trust, to discuss how they may work together to progress the Brayford Heritage Project – which proposes to establish a Heritage Centre in the redundant Holmes Yard Signal Box to tell the fascinating story of the working life of Lincoln’s barges.
In researching the history of the Mary Gordon boat, Peter has collected a large number of historic photographs and documents which depict the trading barges and associated building which surrounded to Brayford Pool in its heyday as a commercial port, which is of course where the University of Lincoln now stands.
Both Peter and Karl feel that the images and documents represent an important aspect of Lincoln’s commercial and industrial development which has not been documented to date.
The Holmes Yard Signal Box is a listed building, with planning permission to move it a few yards onto the waterside on a ‘pad’. The lower half could be used to house the heritage project, and perhaps include a small café – permission has already been given for a window on the north side overlooking Brayford. The original levers would be retained in the upper half.
Karl McCartney, said: “I think the Brayford Heritage Project is a very worthwhile project which will bring visitors to the Brayford area and tell the fascinating story of Lincoln’s Waterways and their varied history, which were reasons for Lincoln’s commercial and industrial growth in the 19th and 18th centuries. Of course, the natural Brayford Pool and the proximity to the hill on which our great Cathedral sits were also reasons for the Romans settling here too.
“I understand Network Rail are keen to finding alternative use for this iconic building and I will be urging them to seriously consider Peter’s proposal.”
Peter Harrold, said: “East Holmes signal box was built in 1873 and is listed grade II as a building of special architectural and historic interest. The proposed scheme is to relocate the signal box a few metres to the north so that it can be brought back into use for the community as a heritage centre showing the importance of both the waterways and railways in Lincolns industrial and commercial development.
“It may be possible to incorporate a small café overlooking Brayford and the cathedral which could help to finance the projects overheads.
“We have several organisation interest in joining us and the Heritage Lottery fund have indicated support for such proposal. However there is much work to do, surveying the building, building the pad and actually moving the signal; box which could be very expensive. We are looking for help from business with this project which I believe could be a major tourist attraction for Lincoln. Eventually my dream is to see the Mary Gordon, and other historic boats – moored alongside”.
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For further information, please contact Karl McCartney JP at [email protected].