Reservoir roof replacement reveals Victorian gem

Engineers replacing the roof of an iconic London reservoir are enjoying a rare chance to savour some fine Victorian brickwork.

Stunning Victorian supporting arches have been revealed during the roof refurbishment. Image: Peter Devlin Photos

The Kidderpore reservoir in Hampstead, north-west London, was built in 1867, acting as a holding tank on the water supply network, ensuring enough treated water is in the right place at busy times of the day.

Its magnificent rows of arches, which support the reservoir’s roof, are usually only visible from inside the structure when the 12Ml of treated water it contains is drained down.The ageing aluminium roof, last replaced in 1963, was removed in June, revealing the architectural gem beneath.

The work to build a new concrete one, with additional electronic security features,w will be completed in January 2015. Kidderpore reservoir will supply 11,000 properties in the local area.

Neil Franks, Thames Water contract manager, said: “This project has given us a fantastic opportunity to view Victorian architecture usually undercover and underwater. Even as water industry engineers we rarely get to see this.

“It will be a shame when we have to once again conceal the arches, but we do need to protect the treated water within the reservoir and keep local homes and businesses supplied with water when they need it.”