A PIECE OF HISTORY

Originally The Filterworks was developed on a greenfield site by the Sheffield Water Company, and was fully operational by 1913. Its purpose was to filter water from the neighbouring reservoirs at Strines, Dale Dyke and Agden for distribution to Sheffield and the surrounding districts.

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The site was expanded in the 1950s, which effectively doubled the amount of water that could be processed and cleaned. In 1989, the UK's Water Board became privatised and by 1995 the Bradfield site was closed when a new water treatment facility was opened closer to civilisation in Loxley Valley. 

The building is a good example of a purpose built plant for the pressurized filtration of raw water, although as none of the interior fixtures and fittings survive, the heritage value can be regarded as the external form and layout of the individual spaces, which the development strives to retain.

The proposed scheme will maintain the external appearance of buildings dating to 1913 and 1954. The architectural development is a significant aspect of the Site, which adds to the overall historic character, especially when viewed from the street frontage.

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The proposed re-use of the interior spaces into residential units and a central atrium gathering space, will preserve the character of the two-storey 1913 Filtration Hall, including the double height colonnade of cast-iron

columns and clerestory skylight, pictured below circa 1950.

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