Edgbaston Reservoir, originally known as Rotton Park Reservoir and referred to in some early maps as Rock Pool Reservoir,is a canal feeder reservoir. Despite its name, it is actually situated in Ladywood rather than nearby Edgbaston. It is situated just 2 miles outside of the city centre and offers a wonderful cityscape view looking towards the city taking in most of the cities iconic landmarks.
Originally a small pool named Roach Pool in Rotton Park, it was extensively enlarged by Thomas Telford between 1824-1829 to supply water to the Birmingham and Wolverhampton of the BCN canal system via Ickneild Port loop at the foot of the dam. It was excavated to a depth of 40 feet (12 metres) and covers an area of 58 acres (230,000 m2), holding 300,000,000 imperial gallons (1,400,000 m3) of water, and was the largest expanse of water in Birmingham at the time.
The reservoir is surrounded by woodland and grassland. The total area of the site is 70 acres (280,000 m2). It supports a variety of birds, in addition to newts and bats.
The Reservoir perimeter provides a pleasant route for joggers, with a gravel and tarmac path throughout its 1.75 mile (2.8 km) circumference.
In 2019 Plans were revelaed to revamp Edgbaston Reservoir as detailed below;
Birmingham City Council has unveiled a masterplan to revamp the site on the edge of the city centre which is already a popular spot for walkers, boat clubs and other water sports. Among the concepts outlined in the plan is 'Thomas Telford Place', described as a landmark development which will bring new life and activity at the site of the former Tower Ballroom.
It will provide a mix of residential, community and leisure uses and incorporate a new promenade. There are also plans for a new pedestrian and cycling route along the water's edge which will join the reservoir up with the city's wider networks. There will be a signposted 'Tolkien Walk' to connect the reservoir to the historic canalside Roundhouse in the city centre and encourage movement between buildings such as Perrott's Folly and Edgbaston Waterworks Tower. These towers are thought to have influenced JRR Tolkein to write The Two Towers in the Lord of the Rings series.
The reservoir redevelopment would feed into the wider Greater Icknield Plan which includes the Port Loop residential project where work is under way to create around 1,150 new homes.
Above CGI image from Birmingham Council of what the newly developed resevoir will look like
Below are some of my images from the site over the last 12 months or so
