Copyright 2015 © Richard Clifford
Spike Island, Widnes, Cheshire, England
21st May 2015
Previously known as Widnes Dock.
The ‘Island’ was at the centre of the British Chemical industry during the 19th Century and part of the Industrial revolution.
The railway ran directly to the dock and loading ramps allowed coal wagons to be tipped directly into boats. It was the first facility of this kind in the world.
By the 1970s the area contained abandoned chemical factories, rail lines, canal and industrial docks, and extensive chemical pollution. Between 1975 and 1982 the Island was reclaimed and became a nature reserve.
The Trans Pennine Trail runs through it.
Overlooking Spike Island is Catalyst Science Discovery Centre, devoted to chemistry and how the products of chemistry are used in everyday life.
Spike Island is a good site to observe the construction of the second Mersey crossing, known as the Mersey Gateway. Work started in May 2014 and the new six lane toll bridge will open in Autumn 2017.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spike_Island_%28Cheshire%29
www.visitliverpool.com/things-to-do/spike-island-p16145
www.disused-stations.org.uk/features/widnes_dock_and_marsh/index.shtml
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catalyst_Science_Discovery_Centre
www.catalyst.org.uk
www.merseygateway.co.uk
See my other photos here:
www.dronestagr.am/author/eyupmate
