The Heritage Engineering Learning Trust has been set up to help restore, develop and care for the former West Ham Sewage Pumping Station built in 1897 and which was in use until 1972.

A Grade II-listed industrial heritage site of national significance, it still contains a pair of gigantic steam powered sewage pumping beam engines within an original engine house. The site helps illustrate London’s Victorian and sanitary engineering achievements of a bygone age.

Important to local communities and wider audiences alike it has strong potential to support learning, skills development and public engagement for a large number of people.

We want to transform the site so that it can be used to deliver educational and vocational training, community events and pop ups. The steam engines will be restored to working order and displays on local history and that of the wider Lea Valley will be told for the first time.

The restoration of buildings and grounds at West Ham offer a unique opportunity to develop a range of exciting new educational and visitor outcomes for the future, which can link with similar organisations and attractions locally.

Working steam engines, new vocational training and education facilities and space for public gatherings and events will help make the site a key local community focal point.

Currently our main attraction is The Engine House, which contains two giant steam powered beam engines built by Lilleshall & Company of Shropshire in 1895-1900. These pumped sewage away from the local area until retirement in 1972.

They are two of only four left surviving by the builder in the world.

Currently unrestored and derelict we hope one day to bring them both back to life. A visit now gives a behind the scenes view before restoration work begins.

Our refurbished buildings will act as a community hub, hosting educational programs, workshops and accredited heritage skills training to foster an appreciation of engineering, construction and buildings. In addition, it will host workshops and exhibitions aimed at promoting renewable energy related solutions and technology. This will be undertaken in conjunction with industrial and educational partners.