A permanent repair plan for restoring Toddbrook Reservoir in Whaley Bridge, was announced today (Tuesday 23 March).
We are planning to build a new side channel weir, ‘tumble bay', spillway channel and stilling basin on the northern, sailing club side of the dam, at an estimated cost of between £12 - £16 million. The auxiliary spillway, damaged in summer 2019, will be de-commissioned and the dam slope grassed. Subject to planning permission, work is likely to start at the end of 2021 and take around two years to complete.
The reservoir, which supplies water to the Peak Forest and Macclesfield canals, has been out of action and near empty of water since the spillway was damaged. Ahead of the permanent repair, the Trust and its contractors Kier, have carried out a major project to make safe the damaged spillway and add a protective waterproof nib to the dam crest.
Public consultations
The long-term repair design was informed by feedback from residents who took part in the public consultation last September, when two different options were put forward from an initial 13 potential proposals which had been considered by the design team.
Working with specialist engineering design consultants Arup, our project team has carried out extensive technical investigations and design work, listened to all feedback and tried to accommodate the best engineering option within the landscape. They continue to develop the details of their proposals to ensure the most effective design solution is adopted.
A second public consultation into the proposed plan will be organised for later in the spring, probably online, in advance of a planning application to High Peak Borough Council this summer.
A huge engineering challenge
"The proposed work will also require some changes to the northern area of the park. The play area will have to be re-positioned, and we will carry out landscaping works to ensure that when finished, the park remains an enjoyable and open public space. We are working to develop our plans to ensure this happens as sensitively as possible.
"During the construction phase, part of the park will unfortunately have to be closed, but we hope to be able to move some of the play equipment to an alternative location so it can continue to be available."
Subject to planning permission, the Canal & River Trust is hoping to start work on site at the end 2021 and for the reservoir to be re-opened to the public in early 2024. High volume pumps will remain in the reservoir to manage water levels until the end of the restoration project."
