Kier bags Cheshire aqueduct job

Kier has been appointed to build a new parapet for a grade I listed aqueduct in Cheshire.

The Marple aqueduct, which carries the Peak Forest Canal over part of the River Goyt near Stockport, dates from the end of the eighteenth century and is one of the highest canal aqueducts in England.

Designed by Knight Architects and Arcadis acting as structural engineer, the new parapet was commissioned after increasing visitor numbers and public safety issues.

The design, which Knight said ensures the parapet does not overly encroach on distant and close views of the aqueduct, was approved in July.

Kier, which is on the Canal & River Trust’s contractor framework, is scheduled to start on site next year with specialist Bisca UK fabricating the parapet.