The Grade II-listed Canal Warehouse on the Ellesmere Arm of the Llangollen Canal was identified as being at risk in the Inland Waterways Association (IWA) Risk Index. In March 2023, listed building consent was granted for its conversion to café and restaurant use, subject to the condition that works commence within three years.
Ellesmere Canal Warehouse. ALAN WILDING
In the opening weeks of 2026, the Ellesmere canal warehouse restoration project has advanced meaningfully. The approved renovation plans provide for the reinstatement of the large ground-floor windows, currently bricked up, and the creation of waterside dining alcoves. Additional dining space is proposed for the two upper floors, enhancing the building’s future use as a heritage canal-side café and restaurant in Shropshire.
Over the past two months, the pre-commencement condition documents required by the consent have been submitted to Shropshire Council, comprising a photographic survey and a schedule of works. The submission reflects the considerable scope of the listed building restoration: the Canal Warehouse has deteriorated significantly since at least 2012, when existing photographic records were made. It is worth noting, however, that the structure was formerly in sufficiently sound condition to host public meetings of the IWA Shrewsbury District and North Wales Branch on the first floor.
Should the project proceed to completion, Ellesmere would join Wappenshall Wharf, where a café recently opened within a former canal warehouse, in offering a second such heritage canal warehouse conversion in Shropshire. The town has waited a considerable time for the restoration of this historic building, and some further patience may yet be required before the Ellesmere canal café opens to the public.
