The Pumping Station, Whitacre Waterworks

The Pumping Station is a red brick building with stone trim, gothic windows, and a prominent central gabled section with tall rooflines. The structure features cylindrical corner towers and decorative clay tile work that transforms an industrial facility into an architecturally refined structure.

Built in 1883, the facility initially supplied water to Birmingham and later expanded its service to Coventry, Nuneaton, and Bedworth. This growth pattern reflects the rapid industrial expansion across the Midlands during the late 1800s.

The name and architectural choices reflect how essential clean water was to the region's industrial growth during Victorian times. The building demonstrates the pride that communities took in providing this vital service.

The building is currently inaccessible and stands abandoned behind a modern water treatment facility. You can view the exterior architecture from the surrounding grounds, though interior access is not available.

One of the original James Watt beam engines that powered this station is now on display at Birmingham's ThinkTank Museum. This engine represents the steam technology that originally drove the entire operation.