6 Former Filter Beds, Water Tank With Gazebo, And Steps At Swithland Reservoir Water Works

The former filter beds, water tank with gazebo, and steps at Swithland Reservoir Water Works were built in 1896 by Hawkesley of London. The structure is made from granite rubble stone, dressed stone, blue brick, and lead. It features a series of six polygonal filter beds arranged symmetrically around a hexagonal, partly sunken draw-off tank. This tank is adorned with an elaborate balustrade and a central gazebo designed in the Renaissance style.

From the forecourt of the pumping house, a short flight of stone steps with side parapets leads down to an area designed like a grand formal garden. The filter beds are enclosed by blue brick retaining walls with stone edges. The tank has low granite side walls with short stone pilasters and blocked arches at intervals. Above the pilasters are the piers of the balustrade, which consists of a row of small arches featuring rusticated stonework. Two flights of stone steps with similar balustrades lead up to the bitumen-covered top of the tank, where the principal piers are topped with carved Renaissance obelisks.

At the center of the tank stands an octagonal open stone gazebo on a stone plinth, supported by eight Roman Doric columns that uphold arches, an entablature, and a lead dome topped with a carved stone lantern. This gazebo covers a central air vent. The entire complex is set in a park-like environment with a selection of trees and shrubs, and it holds group value with other structures at Swithland Reservoir Water Works.