Slaithwaite Reservoir

Hill Top Reservoir, also known as Slaithwaite Reservoir, is situated in Slaithwaite, Huddersfield.

Project Background

It was built 1795 -1799 by renowned canal engineer Benjamin Outram to supply water to the Huddersfield Narrow Canal.

Today, the reservoir is cared for and maintained by the Canal & River Trust charity and is a popular spot for walkers and anglers.

To ensure that reservoirs like this are meeting present day standards (as required under the 1975 Reservoirs Act), essential maintenance and upgrade works are required.

Two key elements will be undertaken on this project, to maintain the existing reservoir dam structure and to upgrade the overflow spillway to increase its resilience.

Project Timescales

Autumn 2025

Ground investigations have been completed, and detailed plans have been finalised and submitted to Kirklees Council for approval.

Pre-construction works were originally due to begin in June 2025. However, a new access route has since become available, which will make it easier to reach the site and reduce disruption for residents. To take advantage of this, the start of works has been rescheduled to late September 2025.

Early 2026

Spillway construction is due to begin, with all works expected to be completed by spring 2027, in line with the legal deadline.

Impact on the community

At certain times during the work onsite there will be temporary footpath closures in place. We will keep closures to a minimum, and we will communicate in advance of these closures through onsite signage and updates to this webpage.

Drop-in Information Session

Thank you to everyone who attended our information event at Slaithwaite Community Centre on Wednesday 13 November 2024, your feedback is appreciated.

Updates & Keep in Touch

We will share regular project updates on this webpage. Canal & River Trust and JN Bentley will be keeping local residents and interested parties informed in advance of important updates around project timescales, temporary footpath closures and construction traffic.

You can contact our team with any questions or comments.

Email: [email protected]

Telephone (Freephone): 0808 281 4669 (lines are open weekdays, excluding bank holidays, 9am – 5pm.