The site is an abandoned reservoir, located in the much loved St.Ives Regional Park in Bingley

Known as Kettlewell Reservoir, this distinct site has been abandoned to nature

In the mid 1800s St.Ives’ Springs and Coppice Pond supplied water to the people of Bingley. As part of the Improvement Act the owners of St.Ives Estate, the prodigious Ferrand Family were paid for the supply. 

The distinct Kettlewell Reservoir was built circa 1909 with a concrete lining. After many years of service it allegedly developed leaks and was abandoned to nature.

 

Yorkshire Swim Works would like to bring a brand new dimension to Bradford’s largest regional park

In 1929 Bingley Urban District Council purchased the entire St.Ives Estate from the Ferrand Family to secure the park for public benefit.

This 550 acre park is a Grade II listed Historic Park and Gardens of Special Interest (English Heritage National Register). 

Serving several local conurbations with a combined population of 277k within 5 miles (a further 5m up to 30 miles), this Council owned park has a massive annual footfall (300k).

The site is accessible and well-connected 

By train
Leeds > Bingley 20 mins
Bradford > Bingley 10 mins
Keighley > Bingley 7 mins
Halifax > Bingley 60 mins

Bus stops just outside St.Ives Estate 616, 619, K4

Walking from Bingley 30 mins

Cycling from central Bradford 8m/50 mins

The location offers fantastic opportunities, delivering greater benefit for the community

Heritage opportunities

Protecting an example of Yorkshire’s industrial engineering,  linking with leisure heritage across the wider estate, creating a future cultural asset

There is a fabled history of water features being constructed on St Ives from the monks and Coppice Pond to the Ferrands and the pond in Cuckoo Nest Woods.

Bio-diversity opportunities

The development will be water-neutral, and the natural swimming pool will allow nature to flourish, adding to the diversity of this beautiful, wildlife-rich location. 

From the English Heritage listing for St Ives: “The conscious enhancement of a naturally dramatic landscape reflects the fashion of the time for nature as a powerful force.”

Tourism opportunities

By including an eco-lodge business on the site, the financial sustainability of the community pool is aided, and visitors can stay to explore the St.Ives Estate and the region.

A once in a lifetime centenary celebration opportunity 

The St.Ives Estate will have been in Council ownership for 100 years in 2029. By collaborating with Bradford Council and the existing Estate tenants, there could be a partnership approach to secure funds for an Estate-wide regeneration project, with Yorkshire Swim Works acting as the catalyst.

Let us know what you think

Right now, we would love to hear what you think and have built a small survey – it takes no more than 3 minutes to complete.

All responses will be read and appreciated and any support will help in our future fundraising

take short survey