Opening in 1853, the reservoir provided fresh water to the rapidly growing city of Liverpool.

Capable of holding approximately 2 million gallons, it was fed with fresh water from Rivington Pike in the West Pennine Moors and a spring in the Lodge Lane area of Liverpool.

[5] As part of Liverpool's Biennual celebrations in 2016, the building was used as an art installation for a piece by Rita McBride, called Portal.

Entrance with studded door at right hand end of main facade; plaque with Liver bird over.

"[3] The building has a flat roof, covered in grass, which offers good all round views of the city.