Исторический кран вернулся в Ньюбери после реставрации

Historic Wharf crane returns to Newbury as town centre restoration takes shape Newbury’s cherished historical crane has returned to its prominent position along the waterfront after undergoing specialist conservation work. Engineers reinstalled the landmark at roughly 8.45am today (Wednesday), braving the September rain to carefully position the freshly-restored structure. The return of the crane marks a major milestone in ongoing visual and structural improvements to the Wharf, leaving the riverbank feature looking remarkably pristine compared to its previous state. The structure was taken down back in January by Volker Highways and King Lifting, working in partnership with West Berkshire Council, allowing restoration experts to begin work. Its renewal forms a key part of broader council initiatives to enhance the Wharf area and finish the adjacent Peace Garden under the overarching town centre masterplan. Serving as a striking reminder of the town’s commercial and industrial past, the timber crane was originally located in the local railway goods yard. Although its exact build date is unconfirmed, experts estimate it was erected during the 1850s or 1860s during the height of canal trade, prior to the rise of rail transport. The Wharf itself owes its development to the completion of the River Kennet Navigation in 1725, which opened up river transport between Reading and Newbury and significantly boosted the local economy. Basins and wharves were established to receive essential commodities and bulky goods, followed later by the construction of the wider Kennet and Avon Canal. Although much of the original wharf infrastructure was redeveloped in the late 20th century, the crane stands alongside the 19th-century Stone Building as one of the final remaining physical markers of the location’s commercial history. Surrounding heritage sites – including Wharf House (formerly Kendrick House), the Grain Stores, and the 1625 Cloth Hall – are today preserved as part of the West Berkshire Museum.