West Reservoir Improvement Project

Overview

As an inner London borough, we think it’s important to give residents as much access to green and blue space and opportunities for physical activity as possible. We are committed to working with communities to create more welcoming spaces and to be more environmentally sustainable. 

The West Reservoir Centre is located on 23 acres of water in a 30 acre site and, along with the West Reservoir itself, is one of the most significant leisure and natural resources in London. It provides both adults and children the opportunity to take part in a variety of watersports and open water swimming, surrounded by green space and nature.

We are proposing some improvements to increase the accessibility of West Reservoir, including creating access to new green space as well as upgrading some elements of the West Reservoir Centre facilities. These improvements are a significant opportunity to deliver inclusive facilities that enable more people to experience the site.

Previous Engagement

We held three community engagement events in September/October 2018, with the aim of engaging local residents, community groups and existing site users, and gathering ideas and suggestions as to how the site could be improved.

People told us that they wanted to see:

• an improved café offer 
• improvements to the habitat of the site to support nature and biodiversity  
• enhanced accessibility at the site and increased activities for families, community and minority groups

We listened to what people told us and their ideas and feedback helped to guide and shape our design proposals for the West Reservoir. 

Resurfacing works on the New River path

The New River Path on the west side of the West Reservoir needs upgrading. It is currently in poor condition and will continue to deteriorate if not addressed soon, so we will be undertaking some resurfacing works throughout spring 2023. 

These upgrades will provide a more accessible cycling and walking route around the New River path.

Why your views matter

We’d love to hear what you think of the designs and whether you think we have created a facility that works for everyone. We’re especially interested in hearing from local residents who don’t currently use the facilities, to understand why that is. 

Design proposals for the West Reservoir surrounding landscape 

We are proposing a number of changes to the green space surrounding the reservoir: 

• a new accessible green space for local residents and visitors allowing people to circulate around the eastern bank 
• an accessible bridge across the New River (the current bridge has steps)
• enhanced habitats for wildlife
• improved landscaping
• a more accessible path network (better linking West Reservoir to Woodberry Down estate, Woodberry Wetlands and Green Lanes)
• new reed beds in the Reservoir
• stabilisation of the New River banks

Please take time to view the design:

LANDSCAPE DESIGN

Design proposals for the West Reservoir Centre 

We are proposing a number of improvements to the West Reservoir Centre, with the aims of updating the facilities, making them more accessible and inclusive, to encourage a broader range of users:

• a new introduction to open water swimming area for beginner swimmers and other groups
• new indoor ‘village changing’ facilities with showers and additional toilets
• relocation of the cafe with new outdoor seating area, to maximise the space inside the building
• upgraded conference spaces
• upgraded boat workshop and learning spaces

Please take time to view the design:

CENTRE DESIGN

As well as the online survey, we will be holding public drop-in sessions to hear people’s views, which are detailed at the bottom of this page.

If you need any information on this website in a different format please email consultation@hackney.gov.uk  We’ll consider your request and get back to you within 5 working days.