THE 225-year-old Hill Top Reservoir (known locally as Slaithwaite Reservoir) in West Yorkshire is due for a multi-million-pound restoration in 2025 to ensure it can cope with the pressures of climate change and hold more water.
The Canal & River Trust held a consultation into the works, which are yet to be finalised, to ensure the public were informed of the project as it develops next year and into 2026.
Essential maintenance and upgrade works are required to strengthen the centuries-old structure against the impacts of climate change and improve the performance of the reservoir by increasing the capacity of the spillway to hold more water and reduce leakage.
Ground investigation works are currently being carried out until January 2025 to inform the final plans. The public footpath at the top of the reservoir (from Holme Lane to Bank Gate) will remain open at this time.
From spring 2025, the main project is expected to start, with construction work due to begin on site (subject to the permitted development application being agreed). Completion is due in autumn 2026.
Sean McGinley, Yorkshire and North East regional director at Canal & River Trust, said: “Our reservoirs feed our canals and maintain water levels along the inland waterways. Their function is proving increasingly important to help us manage water levels during more frequent extreme weather conditions brought about by climate change, with drier summers and wetter winters.
“Originally constructed in the late 18th century, this reservoir, like much of our historic network, requires ongoing maintenance and upgrading to meet present-day standards.
“Our charity is undertaking a significant programme of investment to improve our large reservoirs across the country. This work will secure the long-term future of Hill Top Reservoir as an important resource for the Huddersfield Narrow Canal.”
Situated in the village of Slaithwaite in Huddersfield, the reservoir opened 225 years ago. Built by renowned canal engineer Benjamin Outram to supply water to the Huddersfield Narrow Canal, the reservoir remains an important water feed to the canal and is a well-used leisure resource for the local community, popular with walkers and anglers.
The trust is working hard to minimise the impact of the project to all reservoir and canal users. During the construction phase there will be times when the water levels in the reservoir will be significantly reduced for safety reasons, and this will be carefully managed and monitored. There will also be temporary footpath closures in place. Latest updates will be shared through onsite signage and online: www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/slaithwaite-reservoir
Latest updates will be shared on the webpage: www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/slaithwaite-reservoir
