A Liverpool reservoir that has featured in Peaky Blinders is opening to the public this month.
Visitors will have a rare chance to visit High Park Reservoir, a remarkable Grade II-listed former water storage facility in Toxteth , as part of Heritage Open Days in Liverpool.
Built in 1853, it provided drinking water to a large part of Liverpool and the docks - and is a fine example of Victorian industrial architecture with Cathedral-like arches and 8ft-thick walls.
High Park Reservoir was a functioning reservoir for over 140 years, initially fed with water from Rivington Pike in the West Pennine Moors, which was then mixed with spring water from Lodge Lane to provide a source of clean drinkable water for nearby residents.
Paul Feaver of Dingle 2000 Development Trust, the organisation which leases the building, said: "Cholera was a big problem in Liverpool during the Victorian era, and with the population growth in Liverpool at the time.
"A source of clean water was needed, so the reservoir was built.
"It was also useful for the nearby docks as it provided a head of water to fight fires."
The reservoir was gravity fed, with the looming tower itself operating as a valve and overflow.
It had the capacity to hold approximately 2 million gallons of water and was in constant use until its closure in 1997.
The huge building, with 8ft thick brick walls and a sandstone outer layer, is an imposing structure along High Park Street, yet many people aren't quite sure what is beyond the reservoir's walls.
Roger O'Hara, also of Dingle 2000 Development Trust, said: "The architecture inside is remarkable. There is just such superb workmanship to the building, despite it never being designed to be seen.
"The original access was from the roof and we added the doors when we took on the building."
In recent years it has become a popular venue for events and for filming, with several episodes of Peaky Blinders making use of the atmospheric location as well as music videos, a Tony Bellew boxing special and even a book launch taking place at the reservoir.
Last year, Liverpool-based arts centre FACT took over the space for several weeks as it brought a surreal light and water show, Aurora , using the unusual structure as the basis of a specially-commissioned piece.
Roger said: "We have people getting in touch all the time now as we're registered with the Liverpool Film Office. We've even had horses and carts inside here for filming."
The view from the flat roof at the top of the reservoir provides an almost 360-degree view of the city, including giving an amazing perspective of the bend in the River Mersey.
Roger said: "When there are ships coming in to the Pier Head there is a trick of the eye that makes it look that they are about to run aground into the city or even crash into the Liver Building, it's remarkable.
"The access is too difficult to let visitors up on the open day, but we would love to develop this space so it can be used by the public. The views are just astounding."
High Park Reservoir, High park Street, Toxteth, is open between 10.30am to 4pm for Heritage Open Days on 13 September.
