Heaton Park Reservoir, lake in the United Kingdom
Heaton Park Reservoir is a large water tank located on the border between Manchester and Bury in northwest England, operated by United Utilities and fed by an aqueduct from Haweswater in the Lake District. The reservoir features a six-sided earth embankment, holds water that travels downhill by gravity alone, and now serves primarily as a backup storage facility during maintenance of the main supply lines.
The reservoir was built in the 1950s as part of Manchester's water supply system and has been fed since 1955 by an aqueduct from Haweswater, which featured the world's first hollow buttress dam when it was constructed. The creation of the water pipeline required the relocation of villages and farms in the Haweswater valley, with stone from the old church being used to build the dam.
The pumping station features a striking relief sculpture by artist Mitzi Cunliffe, carved in 1955 to commemorate the water pipeline from Haweswater. This artwork and the building's design have become a landmark that draws people to reflect on the engineering heritage that shaped Manchester's water system.
The area surrounding the reservoir is accessible for walking and bird watching, with many bird species visible during winter months, making it a destination for nature enthusiasts. The adjacent Heaton Park offers paths and open areas for pedestrians and families, with the best access via tram to Heaton Park Station followed by a short walk.
The pumping station was designed in 1955 by Leonard C. Howitt and features a sandstone relief sculpture by American artist Mitzi Cunliffe, which tells the story of entire villages that were relocated to make way for the Haweswater dam. This remarkable piece of functional art celebrates the engineering achievement while subtly preserving the memory of the communities that disappeared underwater.
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