MULTI-MILLION UPGRADE for reservoir

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Lucy Wood reports…

HILL Top Reservoir, known locally as Slaithwaite Reservoir, is being upgraded by the Canal & River Trust to meet safety standards and withstand climate change.

Situated in the village of Slaithwaite, near Huddersfield in West Yorkshire, the reservoir was opened 225 years ago. Renowned engineer Benjamin Outram built it to supply water to the Huddersfield Narrow Canal, and it remains an important water feed to the canal as well as being a well-used leisure resource. 

The CRT looks after the reservoir and Huddersfield Narrow Canal and has commissioned civil engineering company JN Bentley to undertake the works to ensure that historic reservoirs like this are meeting present-day standards as required by the 1975 Reservoirs Act. 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.

The main project is expected to start in spring, with construction work due to begin subject to the permitted development application being agreed. Completion is due in autumn 2026.

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Slaithwaite Reservoir. PHOTO: CRT
Slaithwaite Reservoir. PHOTO: CRT

The project is part of a wider scheme to protect reservoirs around the country; in the last financial year, more than £27 million was spent on resilience works at 19 of the trust’s 71 large reservoirs.

Sean McGinley, Yorkshire and North East regional director at the CRT, 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 around the country. This work will secure the long-term future of Hill Top Reservoir as an important resource for the Huddersfield Narrow Canal.”

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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 at www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/slaithwaite-reservoir 


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