Sports facilities construction specialist Blakedown Landscapes has started the main phase of the £3.5m upgrade of Hackney’s West Reservoir Centre, in east London.
The centre, described by the mayor of Hackney as one of the borough’s “hidden gems”, is used for open swimming and watersports such as sailing and kayaking.
The scope of works includes creation of an accessible cycling and walking route around the New River path, building two new accessible bridges across the north and south of the river, a new cafe, reception, changing facilities and other building improvements.
The works have been planned to allow the centre to remain open throughout the project.
Caroline Woodley, mayor of Hackney, said: “These exciting improvements are about so much more than bricks and mortar – they’re about opening up this space to even more people and ensuring it reflects Hackney’s commitment to climate action and inclusive design.
“We’re proud to be working with the Greater London Authority to secure its future for generations to come.”
The West Reservoir Centre is located on 23 acres of water in the West Reservoir site, which was built in 1833 to purify the New River water and to act as a water reserve for London.
Completion of the improvement works is expected in May 2026.
