Thoughts turn to future as deal is agreed

 

September 2024

 

 

We have seen significant progress during the year towards our goal of resuming sailing on Aldenham Reservoir. Sailing was stopped when the dam was determined to be at high risk and the water level was lowered. 

 

A deal was agreed earlier this year between Hertsmere Borough Council and the reservoir owners, Jewel of Hertsmere, under which the owners will pay for the repair of the dam in exchange for permission to build warehousing and offices on Green Belt land close to the reservoir. The deal recognised that this was the only way of getting funds to rebuild the dam (several million pounds) and it therefore met the legal requirement for Green Belt development of "very special circumstances."

 

In addition, the governance of the reservoir and its surroundings will be handed to a Community Interest Company.

 

There is no timetable but we hope that work on the dam can start next year and that therefore a resumption of sailing is now in prospect. 

 

NB This website is a legacy of Aldenham Sailing Club as it was and it reflects the very active life of the club. In due course, we will build a new website to showcase the club as it moves forward to a new era.