Gawthorpe Water Tower: Yorkshire Water survey reveals widespread concrete damage

A Yorkshire Water engineering report has revealed widespread deterioration to Gawthorpe Water Tower.

It warned that comprehensive refurbishment work will be needed to prevent the condition of the landmark from worsening.

The findings have been made public after campaigner Chris Burley submitted a formal request under the Environmental Information Regulations and obtained the company's June 2026 photographic survey.

The report, prepared by Yorkshire Water's Engineering – Civils Team, records damage to the tower's reinforced concrete structure, including exposed and corroding steel reinforcement, cracking, concrete spalling and deterioration to previous repairs.

The survey said: "To arrest further degradation of the structure, comprehensive refurbishment works will be required."

It recommends a close-up tactile inspection, followed by concrete repairs and treatment of exposed corroded reinforcement.

Photographs included in the report show areas of damage to the tower's perimeter columns, central core and supporting bracing beams.

However, the engineers also recorded some more reassuring findings.

The structural frame was described as “generally plumb”, with no obvious signs of significant structural distortion or movement.

Its water tank and roof-mounted cupola were also considered to be generally in fair condition, while the tank roof appeared intact with no significant defects observed.

It recommends further investigation as part of the refurbishment process.

Engineers also advised that the existing fenced exclusion zone around the base of the tower should remain in place to minimise the risk to people from falling debris.

It recommends appropriate surveys and sampling at Gawthorpe before refurbishment work begins.

Mr Burley said: "The findings are concerning.

"Yorkshire Water's own engineers have documented widespread deterioration of the concrete structure, including exposed and corroded reinforcement, cracking, concrete spalling and deterioration of previous repairs.

"The accompanying photographs clearly show damage to the tower's supporting columns, central core and bracing beams."

He said the report showed both the seriousness of the deterioration and the possibility of finding a restoration solution.

The campaign is asking Yorkshire Water what action it intends to take in response to the findings.

Mr Burley said: "We are now asking Yorkshire Water a straightforward question – what is the plan to stop the deterioration and preserve this important listed landmark?

"We are also bringing the evidence to Wakefield Council's Conservation Team and Historic England, seeking their advice and involvement."

The release of the report is the latest development in a long-running campaign to secure the tower's future.

Yorkshire Water told Mr Burley in June that it was not in a position to fund the estimated £900,000 restoration project itself, but had not ruled out working with external partners.

In August, the company said around £1m of work might be required.

The tower was granted Grade II-listed status in December 2020 following a campaign backed by hundreds of local residents.

Built between 1922 and 1928 as part of the former Pildacre Waterworks, it supplied drinking water to Gawthorpe and surrounding areas until 2006.

It is now non-operational, although telecommunications equipment remains installed on the structure.

Mr Burley said: "Our ambition remains unchanged – to secure a sustainable future for Gawthorpe Water Tower, ideally with significant restoration progress ahead of its centenary in 2028."

The Express has approached Yorkshire Water for comment.