Civil engineering specialist Barhale has secured a £16 million contract from Yorkshire Water to design and construct a new service reservoir in Scarborough. The project forms part of Yorkshire Water’s AMP8 investment programme and is intended to strengthen long-term water supply resilience across the region.
The new reservoir, known as Springhill SRE No.3, will be a 17.3 megalitre (ML) twin-compartment reinforced concrete facility located at Springhill near Scarborough. Once operational, it will replace two ageing reservoirs — the 93-year-old Springhill SRE No.1, which has a 15ML capacity, and Springhill SRE No.2, which has a 2.6ML capacity — ensuring sufficient storage to meet both current and projected future demand.
Technical Specifications and Design Innovation
The new structure will measure 55 metres by 77 metres externally and stand 5 metres tall. Internally, it will comprise two equal compartments of 54 metres by 38 metres, hydraulically balanced with the existing Springhill reservoirs to optimise distribution across the area.
Barhale will employ a hybrid construction methodology to deliver the project. The base slab will be cast in-situ, while precast walls, columns and roof elements will be fabricated off-site before installation. This approach is designed to improve quality control, reduce construction programme timescales and minimise site impacts.
The concrete mix has been specifically engineered to resist soft water attack and chemical degradation without reliance on protective coatings, supported by enhanced durability detailing to ensure decades of service life.
Supporting Water Resilience
The project scope extends beyond the reservoir structure. Barhale will install new inlet, outlet and overflow pipelines, along with associated pumping stations. The existing Springhill reservoirs will be decommissioned and disconnected. Due to space constraints, the new reservoir will be constructed adjacent to the current facility.
Johannes Esterhuyse, Regional Director for Yorkshire at Barhale, said: “This project is fundamental to securing long-term water resilience for Scarborough and the surrounding communities. The new reservoir will provide the storage capacity needed to maintain service standards while allowing the safe retirement of existing infrastructure. We look forward to working closely with Yorkshire Water to deliver a durable asset that will serve customers for decades to come.”
Surveys are currently underway, with main construction scheduled to commence in 2027.
FAQs
What is the purpose of the new Scarborough reservoir?
The new Springhill SRE No.3 reservoir will provide 17.3ML of water storage capacity for Scarborough and the surrounding area, replacing two ageing reservoirs and helping Yorkshire Water maintain long-term supply resilience.
Why is Yorkshire Water investing in this project?
The scheme forms part of Yorkshire Water’s AMP8 investment programme, which focuses on upgrading infrastructure, improving resilience and ensuring reliable water services for customers.
When will construction begin?
Surveys and preparatory work are currently underway, with main construction expected to begin in 2027.
What construction method will Barhale use?
Barhale will use a hybrid approach, combining an in-situ concrete base slab with prefabricated walls, columns and roof elements to improve quality and reduce construction timescales.
