Norton Water Tower (officially Oaks Water Tower)
Location/Address
Water Tower at junction of Norton Lane and Hemsworth Road, Sheffield
Type
Description
This landmark on the city's southern skyline (at the junction of Hemsworth Road and Norton Lane) was built at a cost of approximately £90,000 to provide an adequate supply of water in the Norton area, where there are about ten thousand dwellings including the large housing estates in the Gleadless Valley. The water tower was officially opened by the Lord Mayor of Sheffield (Alderman J. W. Sterland, M.B.E., J.P.) on the 12th July, 1961.
The entire structure, which has a diameter of 64 ft. at the base and a height of 109 ft., is built of reinforced concrete. The water tank is supported by a series of twenty-six columns 53 ft. high. It has a diameter of 60 ft., a depth of 18 ft. and a capacity of 300,000 gallons with a top water level of 828 ft.
Originally the Norton area was entirely supplied by water from Redmires, via Ringinglow, by gravitation, but the increasing demand, particularly at peak draw-off periods, made it necessary to provide a supplementary supply. The additional supply is drawn from Rivelin, the water being pumped through Norton Lees Pumping Station. When the Redmires water proves inadequate an electrically controlled automatic valve on the Ringinglow main closes that supply and the area is fed from water in the tower. As this falls to a certain level, the pumps in the basement automatically come into operation to refill the tank with water from Rivelin, until such time as the Redmires supply again becomes available - as it normally is during the night period.
At the top of the tower an observatory with an open gallery affords on a clear day a fine panoramic view of the city and countryside for miles around. A lift has been provided for easy access to the gallery.
Statement of Significance
Asset type
Structure - Water TowerArchitectural and Artistic Interest
Very prominent structure and the provision of lift and public viewing gallery is of significance - sadly public access lapsed some years ago.Historic Interest
A municipal enterprise that still reflects the important work of Sheffield Corporation Water Works (see photo of commemorative plaque).Landmark Status
Is the asset a place that is a well-known landmark to the community, contributing to the landscape or townscape, or local identity in a positive way? It is self-evident that the water tower completely fulfils this criteria. It is an "X marks the spot" landmark, locally prominent, very well known, and visible for many miles around. Similar in importance to the sadly demolished Tinsley Cooling Towers and the water tower is more visible in the landscape. The case for local listing was accepted (by the local Community Assembly) back in 2011 though not formally concluded by the Planning Department of the Council - a resourcing issue, not doubts about the merits of the case.Images and Documents
Date Listed
18 Sep 2023
Last Updated
18 Sep 2023
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