Protecting Huddersfield's canals against climate change

The statutory maintenance and improvement works will strengthen the centuries-old structure against the impacts of climate change and improve the performance of the reservoir’s overflow spillway - which channels away water when the reservoir is full. 

History of the reservoir

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 for the canal which in turn feeds into the Huddersfield Broad Canal. Today, the reservoir is a well-used leisure resource for the local community, popular with walkers and anglers.  

A six-week programme of activity to prepare the site ahead of the main construction phase begins late September and will involve site clearance, setting up the main compound, creating access routes to the reservoir, building a temporary spillway platform and delivering materials and equipment (including installation of a crane).  

The works

The main construction phase to improve the existing reservoir spillway is due to begin in early 2026 and will last around 12 months. During the construction phase there will be times when the water levels in the reservoir will be reduced to facilitate the works.

As a well-used resource for the local community, we aim to keep access open to the footpaths at the reservoir wherever possible, with alternative routes signposted when needed.  

There will also be temporary footpath closures in place.  Latest updates will be shared through onsite signage and online.

The work comes at a time when the national charity - working to protect the nation’s historic canals - is facing challenges from more extreme weather, driven by a changing climate, affecting the nation’s ageing canals.  

Securing the long-term future of Hill Top Reservoir

Sean McGinley, our Yorkshire and North East regional director, said: “With such unprecedented weather conditions this year, our charity’s significant programme of investment to improve our large reservoirs across the country is more important than ever. This work will secure the long-term future of Hill Top Reservoir as an important resource for the Huddersfield Narrow Canal and in turn the Huddersfield Broad Canal. 

“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.  These reservoirs help to 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 prolonged dry weather and wet winters.”

Minimise the impact of the project

We've 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). 

Grant Maconachie, our senior project manager, is overseeing the project. He added: “We will do all we can to minimise the impact of the project on reservoir and canal users, to shorten the overall construction period and reduce disruption for local people.Please get in touch with us if you have any queries.”

We're undertaking a significant programme of investment across their reservoirs to ensure they stay resilient to climate change and comply with the strict legislation that applies to all large reservoirs. Last financial year over £27 million was spent on resilience works at 19 of our reservoirs.