Anglian Water and Cambridge Water have released emerging designs for two new reservoirs in north Cambridgeshire and south Lincolnshire, developed by LDA Design and Fereday Pollard, informs LDA Design in a statement. These designs aim to secure water supply and bolster drought resilience while protecting the environment, enhancing biodiversity, and offering recreational benefits.
The East of England faces growing challenges in water supply due to population growth and climate change. Met Office projections indicate the region will experience hotter, drier summers and wetter winters, necessitating water storage to manage summer droughts. Without bold actions, water demand is expected to outstrip supply within the next decade, making these reservoirs critical for the region's future. Anglian Water is currently in the planning stages for these reservoirs, with a target operational timeframe set for the mid to late 2030s.
The Fens reservoir, proposed by Anglian Water and Cambridge Water near Chatteris and March, is designed to hold 55 million cubic metres of water. The scheme is estimated to have a capital cost of £2.2 billion. The design is inspired by ammonite fossils found on-site. “The sculpted embankments and landforms, built from the soil excavated to create the reservoir, will create a rich and unique setting where people, nature and water come together”, said the statement. The reservoir will offer recreational opportunities, including walking, cycling, horse-riding routes, water sports, and visitor facilities. Extensive wetlands and interconnected habitats will surround the reservoir, reminiscent of the historic marshes and waterways of the Fens.
The Lincolnshire reservoir, proposed by Anglian Water, will be located southeast of Sleaford and is also designed to hold 55 million cubic metres of water. The scheme is estimated to have a capital cost of just over £2.6 billion. The reservoir will have a naturalistic form: “The shape is designed to blend with shallow ridges in the landscape, marking the transition between the limestone uplands to the west and the flat fenlands to the east”. The reservoir will feature controlled water levels, creating large wetland areas and new habitats, and will include nature trails, cycling, and horse-riding routes connecting with local communities.
Both reservoirs adhere to the National Infrastructure Commission’s good design principles and reflect feedback from local communities. Clare Donnelly, Director at Fereday Pollard, emphasized the aim to deliver positive outcomes for climate, people, and places.
The second phase of consultation on the reservoirs is open until August 9th, seeking extensive feedback on the designs and associated infrastructure.
