The Reservoir is a popular spot for walkers, joggers and is host to boat clubs and other water sports.Edgbaston Reservoir was built in 1827 by Thomas Telford as a top up for the Birmingham canal system and is still used for that purpose today. Here we are delighted to involve Birmingham's Community and 'People with Passion' in promoting this wonderful green space with stunning photography, posts and links to find out more. 

Edgbaston Reservoir from the Secret Garden at the Library of Birmingham (January 2018). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The main entrance to Edgbaston Reservoir is from Reservoir Road in Ladywood. The car park there is currently closed. There is also paths from Rotton Park Road, Gillott Road and Icknield Port Road.

Reservoir Road entrance to Edgbaston Reservoir (May 2011). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

History of Edgbaston Reservoir

Edgbaston Reservoir was originally called Rotton Park Reservoir, also formerly known as Rock Pool Reservoir in some early maps. It was originally a small pool called Roach Pool in Rotton Park. The famous engineer Thomas Telford enlarged it from 1824 to 1827, to supply water to the Birmingham Canal Navigations on the Birmingham and Wolverhampton Levels via the Icknield Port Loop. Thomas Telford designed the reservoir and gatehouse, both of which are now listed.

The Lodge at Edgbaston Reservoir built by Thomas Telford in 1830 (February 2020). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The Tower Ballroom opened in the 1870s and became a dance hall by the 1920s. It closed down in 2005. It reopened with new owners in 2008 as an Banqueting Suite for weddings, parties and other events. But it closed down again 2016 (the owners lost their licence over noise complaints). It usually gets tagged by graffiti vandals. It was demolished in 2023.

The Tower Ballroom at Edgbaston Reservoir (May 2011). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

In 1873 the French Tightrope walker Charles Blondin crossed the reservoir. A statue by Paul Richardson was unveiled during 1992 or 1993 on Ladywood Middleway.

Welcome to Ladywood. The Charles Blondin statue on Ladywood Middleway (October 2012). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Rowing Clubs based at Edgbaston Reservoir

The reservoir is home to the Midland Sailing Club. On your walks or cycles, you might spot a lot of boats out on the reservoir, or moored up near their base. Other rowing clubs here including the Birmingham Rowing Club, Birmingham City University Rowing Club and University of Birmingham Boat Club.

Midland Sailing Club at Edgbaston Reservoir (June 2020). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Sailing on Edgbaston Reservoir in choppy waters (February 2014). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Midland Boating Station was built in 2023-24 and is near the Sea Cadets.

Sea Cadets and Midland Boating Station Edgbaston Reservoir  (January 2024). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Winter at Edgbaston Reservoir

Edgbaston Reservoir (February 2020). Photography by Elliott Brown

Spring at Edgbaston Reservoir

Edgbaston Reservoir (May 2017). Photography by Daniel Sturley

Summer at Edgbaston Reservoir

Edgbaston Reservoir (June 2019). Photography by Karl Newton

Autumn at Edgbaston Reservoir

Edgbaston Reservoir (Autumn 2018). Photography by Karl Newton

 

More photography

Edgbaston Reservoir (April 2018). Photography by Tam Bernard

 

Edgbaston Reservoir (Winter 2017/18). Photography by Peter Leadbetter