Paddington Reservoir

Paddington Reservoir was designed by Edward Bell and built from 1864 to 1866 to supply water from higher elevation from the Botany Swamps Scheme (1858-1886).

This water was pumped from the Botany Water Works to Crown Street Reservoir and then up to Paddington Reservoir. Initially all of the pumping energy was supplied by the Botany Water Works. In order to reduce the load on the Botany Water Works, a further pumping station at the Crown Street Reservoir was commenced in 1875 which also assisted in the delivery of water to the Paddington Reservoir.

The original reservoir was built in two stages: the western chamber in 1866 and the eastern chamber in 1878. Each measured approximately 33 by 31 metres. However, due to its limited elevation, only the top two metres (five feet) of water from the reservoir could be provided to buildings in excess of one storey.

In 1877 a second chamber was added, dubbed the eastern chamber (with the original chamber being the western chamber) this increased the storage to meet the demands of the rapidly expanding city. In 1899 the facility was decommissioned following the completion of the larger and further elevated Centennial Park Reservoir (No. 1).

In 2009 Paddington Reservoir reopened as Paddington Reservoir Gardens and is accessible to visit. It’s frequently busy for bridal photos!

In the intervening time between 1899 and 2009, Paddington Reservoir served various purposes, including a garage and petrol station. Fortunately, lots of the original features have survived, including one intact ventilation shaft and many hardwood columns.