Race to restore Wakefield water tower before 100th anniversary
A campaign has begun to restore a Wakefield landmark before it reaches its 100th year.
Gawthorpe Water Tower is set to mark its centenary in 2028 but campaigners warn time is running out to properly restore the structure.
The project aims to go beyond surface-level improvements and deliver a full restoration that will secure the tower’s future for decades to come.
Chris Burley, who first began campaigning in 2019, said the milestone should act as a deadline for meaningful change.
He said: “With its 100-year anniversary coming in 2028, it feels like the right time to make sure it is properly restored rather than allowed to continue deteriorating.”
The campaign was driven by frustration at the tower’s visible decline.
Chris said: “What led me to take it on was simple really – frustration that such an important local landmark was being left to get worse year after year. It should be something the area is proud of, not something people look at and think has been abandoned.
"It's not the cosmetic bit, it's heritage and civic pride. It's absolutely got damage to it and it needs looking after.”
Standing since the 1920s, the tower is a recognisable structure and widely seen as a gateway into the Wakefield district.
The organiser said the ambition is to deliver lasting improvements, not temporary fixes.
Chris said: “This isn’t about a quick paint job. It’s about proper restoration – full external repainting, any structural work that’s needed, cleaning it up and making sure it’s protected long-term rather than just patched up.”
The tower was granted listed building status in December 2020 following a campaign backed by hundreds of local residents, recognising its historic significance.
However, campaigners say its condition has continued to deteriorate.
Plans for the centenary project include restoration work, improved long-term maintenance, and a coordinated effort between key organisations.
Chris said: “I see this coming together through a mix of public support, heritage funding, grant applications, local business backing and pressure from the right organisations to treat it as the important structure it is.”
Those organisations include Yorkshire Water, Wakefield Council and Historic England.
Despite earlier groundwork on funding and support, progress has previously stalled due to challenges around access and responsibility.
With the centenary approaching, the organiser said the focus is now on building momentum.
Chris said: “If people care about keeping local landmarks like this alive, now’s the time to get involved. Let’s not hit 100 years and realise we did nothing.”
The tower was used to store drinking water for the nearby village of Gawthorpe and surrounding areas until 2006, and was later adapted to host telecommunications equipment.
Standing at a height of 55 metres, it can be seen for miles around.
Lights were installed on the structure around the time it was listed and Chris said he would like to see it lit up every evening.
He said: “If you travel up and down the M1 that's thousands of people who see it every day.
“It looks fantastic lit up on a night.”