This site was developed by the then South Essex Waterworks Co. in the early 1930s to receive in the service reservoir water from the Langham treatment works (SMR 15588) and then pump it onwards to other local reservoirs. As well as the covered service reservoir the site also comprises the pumping station and housing. The substantial pumping station is, like the buildings at Langham, built in the International Modern Movement architectural style and is of white concrete with a pitched roof. The south façade is divided by pilasters into nine bays, the central one containing double wooden doors and the four either side of it containing tall windows of glass blocks. The west elevation has three bays with similar windows in the outer ones and again a door in the central one. The north elevation has a large central projection either side of which are three bays each containing similar windows. Along the west side of the site is a close of three pairs of semi-detached houses known as Waterworks Cottages.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL POTENTIAL: Lacking modern additions/alterations, the site remains in its original condition and much of the internal spatial/technological configuration is likely to survive; below-ground evidence of the reservoir may also represent important phases in the evolution of these structures.
SITE SIGNIFICANCE: An outstanding example of a 1930s style pumping station which current knowledge suggests is of major importance. Of considerable group value in terms of both the immediate site and those built in the house style which include Langham (SMR No. 15588), Layer-de-la-Haye (SMR No. 15589), Abberton (SMR No. 15590) and others within Suffolk.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: List Grade II; the reservoir may merit scheduling, but the cottages do not warrant protection in their own right.
MANAGEMENT: Currently in use by the Water Company the site is well maintained and an internal inspection should be undertaken at the earliest opportunity. An ‘impact assessment’ may be needed prior to any future reuse in order to assess which elements of the original fabric warrant retention and detailed recording needs to form an integral element of any re-development proposal. <1>.
Photographed <2>.