THE recent unveiling of two Red Wheel plaques in April marked the beginning of an official bid for World Heritage Status for the Sankey Canal and Viaduct.
The historical Nine Arches, located in Newton-le-Willows, received the plaques to recognise its importance in British transport heritage.
The Grade l listed viaduct is commemorated for its significance in Liverpool’s growth as a major port and its status as the world’s earliest major railway still in use.
Campaigners Barrie Pennington and John Tabern, chair of St Helens Town Deal Board, received support from St Helens Borough Council and Conor McGinn, MP for St Helens North, for seeking special status for the section of the Liverpool to Manchester Railway Line that crosses the Sankey Viaduct and the landscape beneath the structure.
In the official letter of support, Conor McGinn said: “Your ambition for the site to be recognised as a world heritage site is one I and many others share.
"It is a challenging process but one I know that can be achieved and is surely deserved.”
St Helens Borough Council has confirmed that the council fully supports the emerging proposal to seek World Heritage Status for the section of the Liverpool to Manchester Railway Line that crosses the Sankey Viaduct and the landscape beneath the structure.
A letter sent to Mr Pennington read: “The council leader has already pledged his personal support for the project, but I am now pleased to confirm that following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Culture, Wellbeing and Heritage, I can confirm that St Helens Borough Council is happy to support your endeavours.”
Cultural landmarks
The World Heritage Status has been given to many cultural landmarks, including world-famous Stonehenge and Victoria Falls.
Project campaigner Barrie has been an active observer on three previous successful British bids to UNESCO, namely Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Blaenavon Ironworks, and Ironbridge Gorge and is currently partnered with John Tabern who is working closely with St Helens Council on the £25 million Town Deal Regeneration programme.
There are high hopes for the project, however, developments are known to be a long process.
Barrie said: “It is a long process, and I know this from previous applications that it can take up to 10 years. I am hoping to get this steering group in place imminently.”
“We have to show we are very serious to look after what we have been given, for future generations, and that is the purpose of world heritage- to show future generations we were serious of looking after what we have got.”
Future Developments of the town
Discussing the future of the town, Barrie added: “A World Heritage Status Bid affords the town the opportunity to rationalise planning and bring together existing plans into one arena.
"The impact of World Heritage Status for St Helens would be huge for retailing, hospitality and tourism.”
The project was inspired by Isaac Shaw’s painting of the viaduct, with campaigners hoping the bid’s support for World Heritage Status will allow the historical landscape to return to Shaw’s interpretation from the 1830s.
The bid also follows the granting of plans for a heritage plaque at Earlestown railway station.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here