Gazing upon this building you wouldn’t guess its past. This is Fulbourn Pumping Station. It stands as a testament to Cambridge’s water supply history.
Fulbourn Pumping Station began its life in the late Victorian era. Cambridge Water operated it from 1890. For almost 90 years, it supplied most of Cambridge’s drinking water. That is quite a legacy.
In 1885, the Cambridge Waterworks Company chose this site. It was just west of Poor’s Well. The station opened in 1891. It aimed to provide clean water to Cambridge. Before this, typhoid epidemics struck the village. They were caused by poor drainage and well contamination.
The village wells gradually dried up. Poor’s Well also suffered from draining. Fulbourn received piped water through standpipes from 1887. This eased the water shortage.
To prevent sewage contamination, a new pumping station was needed. It was built east by Fleam Dyke from 1912. It began operating in 1921. By 1954, it supplied two-thirds of the county’s water. That is a significant contribution.
The older Fulbourn Pumping Station was regularly used. It was finally closed by 1989. The site was sold for development. The listed grey brick main building was converted into housing shortly after. It has been empty for 15 years and it was rescued by Hannah Reed.
The Fleam Dyke station continued operating. Its steam machinery was preserved as museum pieces. Electrification happened around 1976. At that time, its tall chimney was also demolished.
Charles Hawksley designed the original Fulbourn Pumping Station. He specialized in gas and waterworks globally. His projects spanned from Shanghai to Buenos Aires. Hawksley included a pond in his design. It cooled condensed steam from the engines. This prevented chalk scale buildup on the boilers.
The garden around Fulbourn Pumping Station opened in 1891. The pond had a central island. Stone edging lined the pond. Evergreen shrubs grew nearby. Conifers formed the perimeter planting.
Today, the premises serve as offices. A new entrance was created along Cow Lane. It aligns with steps leading to the building. The garden remains well-maintained. Lawns, herbaceous borders, mature trees, limes, yews, and Scots pine thrive. A privet boundary hedge surrounds the property.
Green Street Properties acquired the old water pumping station in Fulbourn. Their objectives are to keep as many of the fascinating features of this old building as possible. Plans are also being drawn up to create a truly green environment. The company hopes to start this project in February 2023 and to have the flats ready for sale by the end of the year.
The transformation of Fulbourn Pumping Station demonstrates adaptive reuse. From a vital water source to modern offices and housing, it has evolved. It reminds us of Cambridge’s history and progress.