Historic section of River Slea goes up for sale
A small, blocked up section of the River Slea Navigation has gone up for sale again.
The Cut, covering 513 square metres, is part of the original navigation system adjoining the River Slea, once running under Carre Street and into Money’s Yard and back into the River Slea, acting as a private wharf for the businesses there.
It was eventually closed and built over to create the car park, leaving this small stretch from Carre Street to the River Slea beside East Banks.
Historically is was owned by Sleaford Civic Trust, which saved it and renovated it, turning it into a water garden in 1975 after years of neglect, opened by the Duke of Edinburgh as part of his visit to the town.
It was eventually advertised for £12,500 and sold off in 2023 when the Civic Trust felt it no longer had the ability to maintain it and a private buyer took it on.
It is now being re-advertised by property agents Will Barker and Co for £17,500.
According to the brochure, the main feature is The Sail, a steel sculpture at the eastern end of the site. Designed by William Lasdun it was commissioned by the Civic Trust in 1999 and installed in 2003 to celebrate the Millennium.
The design reflects the style of rigging that was used on barges transporting produce and other goods down the Slea to Boston, Lincoln and beyond in the late 18th century. It is formally loaned to North Kesteven District Council which is responsible for its insurance and maintenance.
Railings on two sides belong to Lincolnshire County Council while the other boundary is Berkeley Court flats.