West Reservoir

West Reservoir was built in 1833 to purify the New River water and to act as a water reserve for London. The former filter house was built in the 1930s and is now a visitor and watersports center with a café.

West Reservoir is 30 acres in size and is one of the most significant leisure and natural resources in inner London. The reservoir is a haven for wildlife, and both adults and children can take part in a variety of watersports and open water swimming.

West Reservoir Centre

The West Reservoir Centre is located on 23 acres of water of the West Reservoir site. It provides open water swimming in the heart of Hackney, as well as a variety of other watersports.

The centre is Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA) accredited, and recognised by both British Canoeing (BC) and the Royal Yachting Association (RYA). This means both adults and children can take part in certificated sailing and kayaking courses with expert instructors.

BETTER manages the West Reservoir Centre. To plan your visit or book an activity, visit West Reservoir Centre – BETTER.

West Reservoir improvements

Over the next 9 months, we’ll be making improvements to the West Reservoir Centre to upgrade facilities, make the site more accessible and increase biodiversity in the area. The work is supported by the Greater London Authority (GLA).

In April 2023, we started an 8 week consultation to ask local people for their views. During that time, we spoke to 794 people. See the West Reservoir consultation report (PDF 634kb).

What’s changing

Starting 19 May 2025 we’re:

• building a new access ramp inside the building
• moving an internal wall to create a new workshop space

Starting July 2025 we’re:

• building 2 new accessible bridges across the north and south of New River
• adding a new walkway around the east side of the reservoir so you can walk all the way around
• building a new cafe
• creating new changing rooms with a range of options for different users
• planting new reedbeds and wildflower meadows
• building a new reception area
• creating a new walking and cycling route around New River path
• adding a new accessible green space for residents and visitors
• developing new open water swimming opportunities
• improving habitats for wildlife
• upgrading the landscaping around the site
• adding more cycle parking spaces

While the work is happening

During the works:

• the centre will remain open with a new access route
• a temporary cafe will be available on-site
• GLL (site operator) will provide regular updates throughout the work

Barbecues

Barbecues are not allowed at West Reservoir.

Fishing

Fishing is not allowed in any of Hackney’s parks, including West Reservoir.

Dogs

Dogs are not allowed in West Reservoir. For more information, visit Public spaces protection order (Dog control).

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