Bradford Estates undertakes work at historic wharf

The work will be  at the historic High Onn Wharf, near Church Eaton, on the Shropshire Union Canal, and the landed estates business is  inviting offers to let from prospective boat owners. 

Work being carried out includes landscaping the adjacent bank, improvements to step access, new boarding on the pontoons and redecoration; and once finished will provide a rare opportunity to join the 14 other longstanding moorings at the picturesque wharf. 

High Onn Wharf is steeped in history known not only as a supply point for milk from local dairy farms then carried along the canal network to Cadbury’s Bourneville factory, but also for its Thomas Telford designed canal architecture including the Cowley Tunnel, 75 metres in length, and his turnover bridges were the towpath moves from one side to the other.

The Wharf is also marked by its winding hole where narrowboats can turn around as the canal widens to the wharf edge and its landmark two storey canal side wharf building, which Bradford Estates is inviting offers for complementary leisure or commercial uses. 

The Shropshire Union Canal is known for its beautiful surrounding countryside and its canal side pubs with Norbury Junction only short distance away from the wharf’s location between High Onn Bridge No 25 and Cowley Tunnel No 33. 

Bradford Estates Construction Director Graham Young commented: “The moorings form part of Bradford Estates property portfolio and are a popular location for canal boat owners. 

"The moorings are being renovated to upgrade their private jetty facilities and enhance their surrounding aspect.” 

With access to an on-site car park as well as water, Bradford Estates moorings are available to let on short and long licence agreements via their local property agent, Fields of Shifnal. 

Fields of Shifnal Managing Director Adam Teecey added: “We are delighted to be managing Bradford Estates moorings portfolio. The moorings at High Onn Wharf are highly sought after by canal boat owners due to their secluded location, so we don’t expect the moorings to be vacant for long.” 

Bradford Estates, which is responsible for managing 12,000 acres on the Shropshire and Staffordshire borders, provides public access to miles of footpaths, waterways and countryside locations. 

Partnering with local businesses, Bradford Estates offers residents and visitors the outdoor way of life: from local angling clubs at Norton Mere and Church Pool, to holiday day cottages available through Unique Homestays, riding schools and liveries around the villages of Tong and Tong Norton, paint-balling through Warped Sports in their Tong Castle Wood near Cosford as well as school craft learning by Outback 2 Basics at the White Sitch. 

Working to its 100-year plan and guided by its heritage, Bradford Estates is committed to doing things “the right way”, developing practices that truly make the local way of life better.