National Lottery Funding Helps Chart a New Course for Historic Steamship SS Daniel Adamson

Published: 29th Jun

The Daniel Adamson Preservation Society secures National Lottery Heritage Fund support for "Setting a Steady Course to Northwich" project

The Daniel Adamson Preservation Society (DAPS), custodians of the historic steamship SS Daniel Adamson, is delighted to announce that it has received £153,525 funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to deliver a new project, Setting a Steady Course to Northwich.

Made possible thanks to National Lottery players, the project will explore the future role of the iconic vessel within Northwich's maritime heritage landscape, while strengthening plans for her long-term conservation and sustainability.

Known affectionately as The Danny, SS Daniel Adamson is the UK's last surviving passenger-carrying coal-fired steam tug tender and one of the nation's most important historic vessels. Rescued by volunteers in 2004 and restored following a £3.8 million Heritage Fund grant, the vessel is now recognised as one of the UK's most significant maritime heritage assets.

The new project will investigate whether Northwich could become a long-term operational and maintenance base for the vessel, building on existing relationships with Northwich Town Council, Cheshire West and Chester Council, the Canal & River Trust, Northwich Dry Dock Company and other local stakeholders.

The work will include:

Assessing the feasibility of bringing The Danny into Northwich town centre.
Exploring options for a secure maintenance and volunteer base at Navigation Yard.
Developing an updated ten-year Conservation Management Plan for the vessel.
Providing governance and heritage training for trustees.
Examining opportunities for tourism, education, volunteering and community engagement.
Strengthening partnerships that could support Northwich's cultural and regeneration ambitions.

The project comes at a pivotal time for both The Danny and Northwich. DAPS recently lost access to key maintenance facilities in Liverpool, creating an urgent need to explore alternative arrangements that will safeguard the vessel's future.

At the same time, Northwich is developing ambitious plans for regeneration, waterfront development and a potential Town of Culture bid. The Danny could become a focal point for celebrating the town's rich maritime heritage alongside attractions such as the Lion Salt Works, Weaver Hall Museum and the Anderton Boat Lift.

The project will also help strengthen the skills and knowledge of the volunteer team who care for the vessel, ensuring that specialist maritime heritage conservation expertise is passed down to younger volunteers.

By bringing together heritage organisations, local authorities, businesses and community partners, the project aims to create a shared vision for preserving The Danny and celebrating the wider maritime heritage of the River Weaver.

Andy King, Daniel Adamson Preservation Society Chairman could not be happier at this timely support from the Heritage Fund “This is a fantastic milestone for The Danny and everyone who has worked so tirelessly to protect her over many years. The National Lottery Heritage Funding provides us with a vital opportunity to secure her long-term future, while unlocking her potential as a flagship for Northwich’s maritime heritage and wider regeneration. It’s an incredibly exciting moment – not just for The Danny, but for the whole region – and we’re now looking forward to working with our partners, supporters and local communities to turn this opportunity into something truly transformational for Northwich and beyond.”

Jane Hough, Deputy Director for Business Improvement Districts and Business Services, Groundwork Cheshire, Lancashire & Merseyside was so pleased that the project that Central Cheshire, Cheshire West and Chester council and Northwich Town Council have supported from the beginning, has been successful.

"The Cheshire Central Partnership Board is delighted that the Daniel Adamson Society has been successful in securing this Lottery funding. The Danny is a unique and much-loved part of our area's heritage, and this investment will help ensure The Danny can continue to inspire and educate future generations. We are proud to have supported this bid and look forward to seeing the positive impact this project will bring".

Jon Horsfall, Canal and River Trust Director NW, understands the challenges the Danny faces and was supportive of the bid, knowing its importance to the Danny’s future:

“Canal & River Trust are delighted by the Daniel Adamson Preservation Society’s successful bid and look forward to participating in consultation regarding the projects ambition. The Trust shares many of the challenges faced by the society. Consequently, we welcome the opportunity to review any opportunity to secure funding to enable the Weaver navigation to play a part in the future ambitions for the Daniel Adamson and other users. We will work together to understand the requirements which may form part of any subsequent application for funding.”

Louise Sutherland, Head of Engagement at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said:

“We are delighted to support The Danny with this important resilience project. Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, the Daniel Adamson Preservation Society can work to strengthen the organisation, build relationships, and create more opportunities for people to get involved with maritime heritage. This project is an excellent example of how we can help heritage organisations to build a long and sustainable future.”

The feasibility work and conservation planning will take place during 2026–2027.