Save Our Slipway.

The slipway has an amazing 300 year history, be part of the next chapter. 

Ferries have been operating at Rock Ferry since 1660 and the slipway built in 1820 by Thomas Morecroft is still in use to this day.  It is believed to be the oldest structure built into the Mersey and is now  a Grade II listed structure.

Unfortunately, it is beginning to show its age, is in very poor condition and now needs urgent repair.

The Trust took the opportunity to purchase the slipway and to celebrate its bi-centenary in 2022, launched a campaign to obtain grants and sponsorship from maritime and regeneration bodies to ensure it remains a valuable community asset.

Rock Ferry Maritime Hub

A Regeneration Project Plan has now been developed for the whole of the former Vestor Tanker Cleaning Berth and the Trust has setup Rock Ferry Maritime Hub as a new Not-for Profit company to undertake this regeneration.  The repair of the slipway now forms part of Phase 1 of this regeneration plan.  Public sector funding will be required for Phase 1 which will then be the catalyst for the private sector to fund Phase 2.

Phase 1 Regeneration Project Plan will include

The demolition of the pier

The demolition of the disused and dilapidated pier to remove an imminent danger and the ongoing hazard to local water users.

The remediation of the Vestor site

The Vestor site is heavily contaminated and unless the remediation works are undertaken as an urgent priority will present a serious environmental risk to the adjoining SSSI

The remediation of Vestor site will include

  • Removal of oil and sludge in the two bunds and the remediation of the site

  • Re-surfacing the site to create a boatyard and car park

  • Installation of electrical and water supplies

  • Boundary fencing, lighting & CCTV security to the site

Preliminary boatyard arrangement - click to enlarge

 

The repair and upgrade of the slipway

The 200-year-old Grade 2 listed slipway is in very poor condition and the upgrade and repair is an urgent priority to prevent it becoming closed to the public as a health and safety hazard.

Successful completion of Phase 1 will:

  • Make a substantial contribution to the regeneration of the south bank of the Mersey

  • Remove a safety and environmental hazard from the area

  • Remove a derelict and unsightly structure and improve the view from the Rock Ferry esplanade

  • Provide a refurbished public slipway fit for many more decades of use

  • Preserve the Grade 2 listed slipway as an important piece of local heritage

  • Create a boatyard, which will be an important recreational amenity serving the whole of the Wirral and beyond

  • Encourage and enable many local people to enjoy the sport of sailing and other watersports

  • Provide a location for local craftsmen and amateur volunteers to preserve heritage watercraft

  • Have a consequential positive impact on local employment

Potential future phase 2 may add:

  • A commercial boatyard with marina office

  • Additional hard standing storage, a boat lift, and car parking

  • Specialist maritime repair services

  • A community sports centre with laundry, changing rooms & conference facilities

  • A local heritage museum

  • 24/7 deep water marina with circa 80 berths

  • Launch services and safety services to yachts moored on the river

Inland and Coastal Scheme

Green:    80 Berth marina

Purple:    Additional commercial boatyard and/or half- tide marina