Preservation work to begin on historic canalside 'black shed' in Newport

Preservation work is set to begin soon on a historic canal building in Newport.

Remedial works will start next week on Newport's 'black shed' - believed to be one of the last remaining wharf sheds in the country.

Built around 1840, the shed was part of a once-busy canal wharf, which itself was built on the former medieval fishery that made Newport famous.

Today the building is the last remnant of the former wharf complex.

For decades it has been used for storage, having been utilised by Newport in Bloom, the Newport and Shrewsbury Canal Trust and a local history society.

In recent years it was taken over by Newport Town Council, which is carrying out a series of works to ensure its preservation.

Work including the removal and reinstatement of the existing roof covering and the installation of new guttering will begin on Monday (August 10) and take around four weeks.

While the work is ongoing, the right-hand side of the Water Lane car park will be closed, with the existing entry point also used as an exit point.

The footpath behind the building will also be closed to the public for the duration of the works.

A spokesperson for the town council said: “We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and thank residents and visitors for their patience and cooperation whilst these essential works are undertaken.”