Riverside House - An exciting restoration project for the Stourbridge canal arm

The Community Interest Company Riverside House have adopted a stretch of The Stourbridge Canal in front of the historic ironworks and are being supported by Canal and River Trust.

The stretch of canal is situated next to the historic Foster Rastrick Ironworks, a significant conglomerate in the early 19th century which included the recently restored ‘New Foundry’, now the Lion Health Medical Centre. The canal towpath, which Riverside House are taking on as part of Canal and River Trust’s adoption scheme, includes the historic crane base used to lift the Stourbridge Lion onto narrow boats, remains of a dry dock and two bridges that were entrances to canal boat basins and went into the heart of the iron works.

It was here that shipments of raw materials such as pig iron and coal, were brought into the factory, and manufactured wrought iron bars and rods, were transported back to market. The restoration work included removing the graffiti, managing the trees and undergrowth, eventual restoration to the brick work and restoring the historic interpretation panel. Initially one day a week will be spent on the restoration work, which will also provide outcome based opportunities for adults in health and social care, using personal budget allocation or Education, Health and Care Plans, and will help individuals develop work skills, communication skills, enhanced self-esteem, confidence and employability skills.

Lloyd Stacey, director of Riverside House says: “this is an opportunity to become involved in an exciting historical regeneration project that be of will benefit to the whole community. It will be the first of many projects that will be happening in the area.”

For further information contact Lloyd Stacey [email protected] or 07903 672280. Riverside House website