Esh Construction secures £1.3m contract to restore historic Abbeydale Dam
- gracebell7
- 15 minutes ago
- 3 min read
County Durham contractor brings heritage expertise to repair 18th-century dam at Sheffield landmark
Essential repairs to the historic Abbeydale Dam in Sheffield are underway following the appointment of Esh Construction as contractor.
The £1.3 million project aims to safeguard the structural integrity of the 18th century dam, which features as part of Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet – a Scheduled Monument, which is renowned as one of Sheffield’s most treasured heritage sites.
Two years ago, significant leaks developed in the dam’s North East corner, causing water to pour through the walls and build up dangerous pressure behind them. Emergency temporary measures were put in place to lower water levels and stabilise the structure, but permanent repairs are essential to prevent further damage and protect the historic site.
Michael Sherrard, Construction Manager at Esh Construction, said: “Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet is a unique and historically significant site. Esh is proud to bring its expertise in heritage restoration to ensure this landmark remains safe and operational for generations to come.”
Following the award of the project by Sheffield City Council, in partnership with Sheffield Museums Trust, Esh Construction has conducted extensive site investigations through the last 12 months and produced designs alongside JC Consulting for the structure’s restoration.
Work recently began on a full programme of repairs. These include the rebuilding and repointing of displaced stone walls using traditional stonemasonry, installing clay linings and waterproof membranes to prevent future leaks, and grouting of voids to reinforce weakened areas.
Adjacent to the spillway into the River Sheaf stands a working forge building which will also be underpinned as part of the contract – underpinning involves filling the void beneath the forge with concrete bags and grouting the remaining voids.
Due to the site’s Scheduled Monument status, all works will be carried out under strict consent from Historic England and with permits from the Environment Agency. Access will be created via a temporary causeway across the reservoir, enabling Esh’s team to work within a dry zone while preserving water retention.
The works will continue to be carried out during Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet’s winter closure and are anticipated to be completed by Summer 2026. Alongside Sheffield City Council and Esh’s work to repair the dam, the Hamlet’s winter closure will also see Sheffield Museums complete the final work in their Embrace Abbeydale programme of improvements, which has been generously supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund thanks to National Lottery players. When the site reopens in the spring, visitors will be able to enjoy a brand new welcome hub celebrating the site’s history, as well as a new timber-framed play area for children and families.
Cllr Ben Miskell, Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “Safeguarding Abbeydale Dam is vital to preserving one of Sheffield’s most significant heritage assets. This repair programme tackles long-standing structural challenges and provides the stability needed for the future. We’re proud to be working with Esh Construction and Sheffield Museums Trust to deliver improvements that respect the dam’s historic character, enhance public safety, and ensure it remains a valued amenity for visitors for generations to come.”
Kim Streets, Chief Executive at Sheffield Museums, said: “We’re really pleased to see this work to repair the dam underway. The Hamlet is the most complete example of an integrated water-powered industrial works in existence and a site of national and international significance. The leak in the dam put this unique historic site at significant risk, and we’re grateful to Sheffield City Council and Esh for their vital work to protect it.
“The Hamlet celebrates Sheffield’s reputation as an influential centre for the development of metallurgy and metal working industries and it’s wonderful to know that it will be safeguarded for visitors to discover and enjoy for generations to come. We can’t wait to have the waterwheels turning again once the work is complete.”
Esh Construction has a proven track record in delivering complex heritage projects, including recent repairs to Grade II* listed Stamford Bridge and Bubwith Bridge in East Riding of Yorkshire. The single-track Stamford Bridge on the A166 between Driffield and York underwent repair and restoration after several road traffic collisions had severely damaged the stone parapets. While emergency repair and strengthening works were carried out on Bubwith bridge, which carries the A163 over the River Derwent near Selby.
To find out more about Esh Construction, visit www.eshgroup.co.uk
