The History of Aqueduct Marina

A brief history lesson, Aqueduct Marina is located on the former site of a Dairy farm called “The Outlanes”.

The farm was called The Outlanes as it was in the “Outer-lanes” of Church Minshull, and in its prime was seen as an excellent farm with heavy clay land to the west and drier sandy land down to the River Weaver, meaning the grass grew in wet and dry seasons.

All was undisturbed until the Middlewich Branch of the Shropshire Union Canal linking Barbridge to Middlewich was opened in 1833 including the Aqueduct over the River Weaver, from which the existing marina name came from.

The construction of the canal resulted in some of the land being cut off to the north of the canal and only accessible via a now removed bridge, where the canal narrows at the north east corner of the marina. Despite this, Dairy farming continued until 2004 when the herd was sold, and plans started to enable the building of Aqueduct Marina which opened on Valentine’s Day 2009.

The original basis for the marina was that it was located in an area with heavy Cheshire clay so would hold water, was on a long stretch of lock free canal between Minshull Lock and Stanthorne Lock so levels would be stable, it is on the outside of a gentle curve so the silt should settle opposite the entrance, there was no need to cut through the towpath a public right of way, and probably most important to all boat owners, is that it is located at the centre of several canals all reachable within a few hours cruising.

The other benefits of the former farm location is that existing building could be converted, the workshops over looking the marina were formerly youngstock sheds and the facilities building is on the site of a former shippon and store, so designed to resemble the original shape. The large Brick Barns still await development.

The ensuing 14 years have seen the marina develop and the trees mature to what it is today. We believe many boat owners have enjoyed the location here in south Cheshire, with it 19th century canal and access to 21st century road, rail and airport links

Author Robert Parton, former dairy farmer and now marina owner!