A community clubhouse on the banks of Toddbrook Reservoir

Toddbrook Reservoir sits to the south of Whaley Bridge, nestled in the high moorland plateau of the High Peak area of Derbyshire, and is home to Toddbrook Sailing Club. In 2019 severe storms damaged the reservoir’s auxiliary spillway. The landowner and client, The Canal and River Trust appointed Arup to masterplan the restoration of the reservoir. The installation of the replacement spillway required the Sailing Club’s facilities to be re-located and Arup in turn enlisted Group Ginger’s expertise in design-led rural projects to create a new home for the sailing club.

Group Ginger worked closely with the Sailing Club to understand their operational requirements and aspirations for their new facilities. Extensive consultations with both members of the club and local residents informed a design that would harmonise with the natural beauty of the setting in a sensitive position on the green belt, within a site of special scientific interest (SSSI).

The concept design evolved into a trio of contemporary, asymmetrical pitched roof buildings with an oversailing canopy to the clubhouse, offering both solar shading and cover for spectators. The south facing terrace offers a direct view from the clubhouse across the boat park and reservoir beyond, blurring the boundaries between outdoors and in. To the rear, a yard provides a teaching space, allowing classes prepare their equipment or practice techniques before heading over to the water.

One of the Club’s key brief requirements was the use of robust and low maintenance sustainable materials. In response, Group Ginger have incorporated profiled metal cladding which offers a low maintenance and durable solution, which can be removed, replaced, and recycled throughout the building’s lifespan. This is paired with a natural stone plinth and stone tile cladding, adding robustness whilst alluding to the traditional materials typical of the High Peak area.

Group Ginger are pleased to share that the scheme was granted planning approval in March 2022, with the spillway works due to start on site later this year. We are excited to follow the scheme to site, with the construction of the new Sailing Club anticipated to commence in Summer 2024, as part of wider reservoir restoration project.