Moira Furnace essential repairs

Essential repair work to Moira Furnace – spring 2025

What is Moira Furnace and why is it important?

Moira Furnace is one of the best-preserved blast furnaces in the country.  It was constructed in 1804 and was relatively unsuccessful as a blast furnace, ceasing blast operations in 1811 and the foundry remaining in use until after 1844.

In the 1970s Moira Furnace was scheduled as an ancient monument, identifying it as a nationally important archaeological site.  Scheduling is the oldest form of heritage protection.

Who looks after Moira Furnace?

North West Leicestershire District Council became the custodian of the furnace in 1981.  Today the council works in partnership with Moira Furnace Museum Trust to preserve and operate the site.

What is happening at the furnace?

The council is undertaking essential repairs to protect the historic monument. 

This work includes:

• Repairs to the flat roof (chimney platform) adjoining the bridge loft

• Repairs to the main roof and parapets

• Replacement of gutters and downpipes

• Internal repairs to plasterwork on the walls and ceiling to address damp

• Repair and recertification of electrical systems

• Extensive repointing of the outside of the furnace using a lime mix mortar.

How will this impact your visit to the site?

Construction

Construction on site will start in March and is scheduled for up to 30 weeks.

Scaffolding

Scaffolding will cover the entire monument (including the bridge), this will restrict the view of the monument.

Access

Access to the site some of the paths on site will have restricted access, however you will still be able to visit the site to walk, cycle, run and horse ride, you might just have to make a small diversion to your normal route.

Parking

Parking on site during weekdays, there is likely to be more demand on the car parks due to construction staff being on site.  Part of the upper car park (near to the craft units) has been allocated as a site office and materials compound for the duration of the construction period.

Businesses

Businesses (craft units and café) will be open as usual during the construction period.  If you are a regular customer, you might want to allow a little extra time when next visiting.

Museum and boat trips

Access to the museum and boat trips will be restricted during the construction period, works to these areas are being prioritised to allow access to be resumed as soon as possible.  Timely updates will be given by Moira Furnace Museum Trust via their website Moira Furnace Museum & Country Park and Facebook site Moira Furnace Museum and Country Park | Moira | Facebook.

Events

Events on site will still go ahead as planned Events — Moira Furnace Museum & Country Park.  We are working with event organisers to ensure that they know what is happening and how they can adjust their site plans during the construction period.

What other works are planned this spring?

The National Forest Company will be improving the paths around the furnace from Conkers Waterside, Moira Co-op, Moira Furnace and Donisthorpe Woodland. This will make the area more accessible for everyone to enjoy.

This work will be carried out at the same time as the repairs to the furnace building and will take around 12 weeks. During this time there may be some temporary footpath closures or short diversions in place. This will be done in sections and clearly signposted to ensure minimal disruption.