Essential restoration work is now underway at the historic Abbeydale Dam in Sheffield, following the appointment of Esh Construction to deliver the £1.3 million scheme.
The 18th-century dam forms part of Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet, a Scheduled Monument recognised as one of Sheffield’s most significant heritage landmarks. The structure developed major leaks two years ago, with water escaping through the North East corner and creating dangerous pressure behind the dam walls. Temporary interventions stabilised the site, but permanent repairs are now required to protect the historic works.
Michael Sherrard, Construction Manager at Esh Construction, said: “Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet is a unique and historically significant site. Esh is proud to bring its expertise in heritage restoration to ensure this landmark remains safe and operational for generations to come.”
Commissioned by Sheffield City Council, in partnership with Sheffield Museums Trust, Esh Construction has spent the past 12 months carrying out detailed site investigations. Working with JC Consulting, the contractor has developed a programme of structural restoration designed to secure the dam’s long-term stability.
The full repairs now underway include rebuilding and repointing displaced stone walls using traditional stonemasonry methods, installing clay linings and waterproof membranes to prevent future leakage, and grouting voids to strengthen weakened areas.
A working forge building positioned beside the spillway to the River Sheaf will also be underpinned. This involves filling voids beneath the structure using concrete bagwork and grouting remaining gaps to stabilise the foundation.
Given the site’s protected status, all works are being undertaken under strict consent from Historic England and with permits from the Environment Agency. A temporary causeway will allow access across the reservoir, enabling construction teams to operate within a dry working zone while maintaining controlled water retention.
Repairs will continue throughout the winter closure period at Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet and are scheduled for completion in summer 2026. During the closure, Sheffield Museums will also deliver the final phase of improvements through its Embrace Abbeydale programme, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. When the Hamlet reopens in spring, visitors will benefit from a new welcome hub and a timber-framed play area.
Cllr Ben Miskell, Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “Safeguarding Abbeydale Dam is vital to preserving one of Sheffield’s most significant heritage assets. This repair programme tackles long-standing structural challenges and provides the stability needed for the future. We’re proud to be working with Esh Construction and Sheffield Museums Trust to deliver improvements that respect the dam’s historic character, enhance public safety, and ensure it remains a valued amenity for visitors for generations to come.”
Kim Streets, Chief Executive at Sheffield Museums, said: “We’re really pleased to see this work to repair the dam underway. The Hamlet is the most complete example of an integrated water-powered industrial works in existence and a site of national and international significance. The leak in the dam put this unique historic site at significant risk, and we’re grateful to Sheffield City Council and Esh for their vital work to protect it.”
“The Hamlet celebrates Sheffield’s reputation as an influential centre for the development of metallurgy and metalworking industries and it’s wonderful to know that it will be safeguarded for visitors to discover and enjoy for generations to come. We can’t wait to have the waterwheels turning again once the work is complete.”
Esh Construction has delivered numerous heritage engineering projects across the region, including recent repairs at the Grade II* listed Stamford Bridge and strengthening works at Bubwith Bridge, both in East Riding of Yorkshire.
