Harthill Reservoir set for £5 million improvement works

Harthill Reservoir in South Yorkshire is to be given a £5 million upgrade.
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The reservoir, situated between Sheffield and Worksop near to the village of Harthill, was constructed more than 200 years ago to supply water to the Chesterfield Canal, located approximately two miles to the north.

Once a key route for commercial boat traffic, the canal has now become a popular leisure destination.

The reservoir still acts as an important water feed to the canal and is now also a popular fishery, local walking route and home to user groups such as Rotherham Sailing Club and Yorkshire Outdoor Swimmers.

Harthill Reservoir is getting a £5 million upgrade this year. Photo: Google EarthHarthill Reservoir is getting a £5 million upgrade this year. Photo: Google Earth
Harthill Reservoir is getting a £5 million upgrade this year. Photo: Google Earth

Over the next few months, Canal and River Trust will be carrying out a range of ground investigation and topographical studies, as well as heritage and ecological assessments.

This will help to inform plans to re-model the overflow spillway alongside other operational enhancements at the reservoir.

The main project is expected to start in 2022 and be completed within 12 months.

The trust will keep reservoir water levels temporarily reduced until the upgrade work is completed.

Seán McGinley, from the trust, said: “This reservoir was originally constructed in the late 18th century.

"From time to time we need to upgrade and improve the canal infrastructure to present day standards.

"This project will involve redesigning the overflow spillway to increase the resilience of Harthill Reservoir.

"We ask people to bear with us in the short term while we make these important upgrades.

“Several groups use this reservoir and we understand that temporarily reducing the reservoir water level is not ideal.

"However, this important upgrade work will secure the reservoir’s long-term future and ensure that people can continue to enjoy the important physical health and wellbeing benefits of being by water for many years to come.”

“We are keen to keep the local community and user groups fully informed as the project develops.

"We will be writing to residents and hosting an online community meeting to introduce the project and invite questions on January 7 at 7pm.”