AN HISTORIC Chester water treatment works has been given a high listed status.
The Boughton Water Pumping Station, which dates back to 1851, has been given a Grade II listing following consultation with English Heritage.
The Tarvin Road complex, owned by Dee Valley Water, includes the landmark 84ft water tower, plus engine and pump houses, and a boiler house.
The former Tower Works, designed by F Latrobe Bateman, was built for the Chester Waterworks Company between 1851 and 1853. It is now undergoing a £12m refurbishment to provide a new treatment plant.
The water tower, boiler house and former diesel engine house at Chester Waterworks was listed by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport following a survey.
Annika Nickson, territory co-ordinator (North) for English Heritage, said: "An innovative, ambitious and architecturally-distinguished design by a notable water supply engineer, the complex is well-preserved and retains diesel engines and pumps.
"Ensembles such as this were at the heart of the newly developed water supply systems of the 19th century. These systems enhanced public health and enhanced the lives of millions by providing reliable supplies of clean drinking water."
Saltney town councillor and chairman of green watchdog EnviroWatch, Klaus Armstrong-Braun, who wrote to request the listing of the building, welcomed the news.
Cllr Armstrong-Braun, a production and mechanical engineer who worked for the former Hydraulic Engineering Company, on Charles Street, said: "It's important that engineering wonders like this are protected so future generations know what was achieved in the past.
"The building played a major part in protecting the welfare of people of the city from disease and is still providing clean, pure water.
"I'm surprised it has taken this long to get the building listed."
Chester City Council conservation manager Howard Dickenson said: "A lot of people felt this should have been listed because it's very interesting historically and it's something we requested more than two years ago.
"Listing means the building can't be altered or demolished without consent but I don't think it would have impacted on the current refurbishment programme.
"It's a real landmark on the canal and from the air the complex looks like a doughnut."
Gordon Entwistle, capital and programme manager at Dee Valley Water, said: "We want to preserve the heritage of the engineers' achievements as well as providing a clean supply of drinking water. The refurbishment will improve the purity of the water supplied."
