The newly completed visitors centre at the late-19th century Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoirs has created a hub for health and wellbeing just north of Cardiff city centre.
Appointed by BECT Building Contractors from RIBA Stage 4, Lawray was responsible for delivering the technical design of scheme designed by Fielden Clegg Bradley Studios. Offering spectacular views across the reservoirs, the two-storey centre provides changing rooms, showers, toilets for water sports, training rooms for the local community, an education hub, and a café serving local produce.
The Victorian landmark, covering 110 acres of green and blue space, is a natural resource of significant ecological value – offering a natural haven for people to enjoy water sports and outdoor recreation. Designated as a Site of Special Scientific interest (SSSI), Welsh Water has been working with partners and the local community for the past seven years to bring the reservoirs back into operational use whilst protecting the site’s biodiversity.
To reduce the building’s environmental impact, low-carbon design features have been incorporated, including large solar photovoltaic panels on the roof, the use of ‘green’ gas, which will be generated from Welsh Water’s sewerage treatment, a sustainable drainage system with underground drainage space, and a rain garden to attenuate and filter rainwater. A heat recovery ventilation system within the changing rooms and wastewater heat recovery shower trays have also been provided.
The Lisvane and Llanishen reservoir reopening adds a fifth site to Welsh Water Adventures portfolio of visitor attractions across Wales.
