UNLOCK RUNCORN
Unlock Runcorn is made up of two strands to open the realm and access to the canal as well as introducing a visitor experience offering. This is the first phase of the ultimate long-term vision of reinvigorating the Bridgewater canal by reconnecting it to the Manchester Ship Canal and constructing a boat lift. The project is currently refining what can be delivered within the project budget.
The creation of a landscaped area between Runcorn Station and the new Peace Garden temple. It will also see a small extension to the canal where the boats used for boat trips can be moored.
Timeline
2024
Planning permission was granted on 2nd July, after being submitted in January. See more information on the plans here.
The ultimate goal for this strand is the creation of a visitor centre and café for visitors to enjoy and find out more about the canal, as well as the introduction of boat trips along a section of the Canal and an events programme to run throughout the year. Led by Runcorn Locks Restoration Society (RLRS).
Timeline
2025
August 2025
This month the team have announced an exciting partnership with Norton Priory offering cruises along the canal bringing visitors up to the museum and gardens, ready for the cruises to officially start running in September. Book your trip here.
July 2025
Saturday 26th July Runcorn saw the first of the two boats ‘Aethel’ the 65-foot passenger boat on the Bridgewater Canal as residents came out to celebrate the launch. During the event locals got to meet the team who have been working hard behind the scenes to bring the project and vision to life as well as being one of the first to step aboard the boat. With her striking colours and intricate design Aethel blew everyone in attendance away, along the canal residents were able to get a first look and taste of the cream teas that will be available on board when the first cruises start in September. Read more about the event here.
June 2025
The Unlock team have announced several volunteer roles for residents to join the team. Find out more here.
May 2025
Auditions were held for the community to become the voice of Aethel and Fraeda the two new passenger trip boats who are nearing completion to begin setting sail along the Bridgewater canal later on this year. Following the auditions six local voices have been found and have begun recording the new soundtracks and audio tours available on board the boats when they launch later on this year. Find out more here.
3rd April 2025
Crafted at Collingwood Dock, the boats are expected to be completed in the coming months. And thanks to a spirited community vote, they now proudly bear names rooted in Runcorn’s rich past— ‘Aethel’ and ‘Fraeda’—a tribute to the town’s legendary founder and warrior, Æthelflæd.
Continued development of designs for the canal restoration project, connecting to the Bridgewater Canal. This spring the two boats, which will be doing the trips along the canal, have begun construction. The boats have recently been named by public vote ‘Aethel’ and ‘Fraeda’ with a nod to the heritage and history of Runcorn.
2024
Phase 1 of the project began with the Big Dig on Saturday 31st August which saw spades go in the ground in the hopes to reach the ‘bullnose’.