Slaithwaite Reservoir

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

Spring 2025

The ground investigations are complete. Construction work due to begin onsite (subject to permitted development application being approved). Essential vegetation works will be undertaken to prepare the site ahead of the construction phase.

Autumn 2026

Main construction work due to complete

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.