New home plans for historic Tring landmark

Some of the workshops at Bulbourne Yard, near Tring

The Canal & River Trust and specialist developer H2O are sharing their ideas for the site in Bulbourne tonight and tomorrow (February 22 and 23) between 5pm and 8pm.

With the buildings first being recorded in 1882, Bulbourne Yard is an important landmark at the summit of the Grand Union Canal and was still being used to make lock gates as recently as 2003.

Currently, the site is home to a local office for the Canal & River Trust and artisan blacksmith Hammer and Tongs, owned by Paul Elliott.

Since the workshops closed, the Trust has been exploring a range of new uses for the site which preserve the historic buildings and retains Bulbourne’s active link with the modern operation of the canal.

Current proposals include converting the four Grade II Listed buildings and two buildings of ‘historical importance’ into new living accommodation, as well as the refurbishment of existing vacant houses on the site, and the construction of eight new homes with the 48 parking spaces.

The plans also include a new pedestrian footbridge and the ‘retention of the historic wharf, crane and the Canal & River Trust’s operational depot’.

Aiden Johnson-Hugill, development manager for H2O, said: “We’re really keen to hear from local people and canal users and get their feedback on our plans.

“We think we have a sustainable scheme which enhances the wharf and the historic setting. “Furthermore the development will transform the area and secures the future of the historic buildings.”

For those who cannot make the meetings, the plans can be viewed and commented on online here.