Repairing the Boating Pond

Status: In progress

Why the Boating Pond is important

The Boating Pond is a beloved Port Sunlight landmark. It was designed for toy boats in the 1930s by Lever Brothers architect James Lomax Simpson, who was responsible for most Port Sunlight buildings designed after 1911. The bronze Sea Piece fountain by sculptor Charles Wheeler was installed in 1950 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Lady Lever’s birth. Both the Boating Pond and the fountain are Grade II listed.

Why is it empty?

The Boating Pond is nearly 100 years old. The basin of the pond was built with concrete and cement, which have caused significant problems. The Boating Pond’s walls are damaged and the waterproof materials have deteriorated in many places over the decades. Its surface has been repaired several times with different coatings to try to keep it in use, however recent surveys have demonstrated that the basin continues to leak. Port Sunlight Village Trust had to drain the Boating Pond and install rubber matting for safety reasons, and it cannot be refilled until it has been repaired. We are working with a team of heritage specialists to help repair it.

How you can help

Port Sunlight Village Trust are undertaking the long, complex journey to bring this beautiful feature back into use, however this will cost hundreds of thousands of pounds. As a charity, every penny we receive is reinvested back into the village. If you would like to help repair the Boating Pond for future generations to enjoy, please donate online below or inside Port Sunlight Museum. From as little as a £5 donation, you can support this project.

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Examples of the Boating Pond’s structural issues