The historic weir cottages at Beeston Lock were once the family homes of people who made their living on the canal. They were occupied for two hundred years but unfortunately, after the last family moved out in the 1990s, were left abandoned and derelict.

Established by a group of dedicated local people, passionate about telling the story of the waterways, the aim of the Canalside Heritage Centre Charitable Trust has been to renovate and restore the weir cottages at Beeston Lock into sustainable use as a heritage, education and arts centre for all.