As part of our Social Values pledge, CPC Civils Birmingham City Centre Public Realm team attended Edgbaston Reservoir to install and improve the existing launch ramp at the reservoir.

Midland Sailing Club wanted the ramp adapting so that it would be wheelchair friendly mean that those with disabilities could access the water and take part in the current activities.

Edgbaston Reservoir was built in 1827 by Thomas Telford as a top up for Birmingham canal system and is still used for that purpose today.

The local Nature Reserve is also a site of Nature Conservation Interest. The 70-acre site is mainly open water and is surrounded by woodland, grassland and is supported by a variety of birdlife, bats, and newts. It hosts events and activities for schools to help pupils gain a better understanding of wildlife and the natural environment along with sailing and rowing activities.

The works started on 31 October 2022 and were completed on 11 November 2022.

The aim was to resurface the launch ramp and raise the level of the intermediate landing zone by 200m and to reduce the incline of the first half of the launch ramp leading to the intermediate landing zone. A new winch was also installed, and anti-slip was applied to the concrete once completed.

It took the team 10 days from start to finish to carry out the improvements for the sailing club.