Pitsford Water celebrates 70 years with new soft play and expanded lakeside café
As Pitsford Water marks its 70th anniversary, work is under way on a new indoor soft play centre and an expanded lakeside café at Brixworth Country Park, with both facilities expected to open in January 2027.
The development represents an investment by Anglian Water in visitor facilities at the reservoir and will bring the existing café together with the neighbouring former cycle shop, which has stood empty since 2024.
The soft play will sit at the rear of the building, while the café will extend across the full frontage overlooking the reservoir, doubling in size.
Jake Williams, AVH Parks Managing Director at Anglian Water, said: "Pitsford Water was built to serve Northamptonshire, and 70 years on we want it to serve the next generation too. There’s no better way to mark the anniversary than by investing in the families and villages right here on our doorstep.
“Bringing indoor play to the water’s edge is something we’re really proud of. Whatever the weather, families will be able to meet friends, let the children play and then head straight out to enjoy the park and reservoir.”
The soft play will bring the park's countryside and water theme indoors, with a tunnel-style entrance leading from its own reception desk into the play space. There will be separate areas for older children and for babies and toddlers, with seating overlooking both so adults can keep children of different ages in view. The centre will also have a party room and toilets, with space for around 35 children at a time.
The expanded café will remain a destination in its own right, welcoming far more than families using the soft play centre. Its seating will be separate from the play area, with additional space for walkers, dog walkers, birdwatchers and visitors looking to enjoy a coffee with views over the water.
The existing café team will continue to run both facilities, supported by additional training in first aid, customer service and safety procedures.
Jake, from at Anglian Water, added: “With the reservoir on the doorstep and a seven-mile path to explore, Pitsford is a place people enjoy in many different ways. Whether you come for the sailing, the birdlife, a walk around the water or simply a coffee overlooking the reservoir, the café will continue to welcome you, with the same friendly team behind the counter. And for families with young children, there will be the added option of indoor soft play.”
The café will close temporarily from November to allow the main construction works to progress. During this period, a temporary café beside the existing building will serve hot drinks and a limited food menu. The country park, waterside path, car park and toilets will remain open as usual.
Pitsford Reservoir opened 70 years ago to supply water to Northamptonshire, with public access and recreation forming part of its history from the outset. Today, the reservoir attracts visitors throughout the year, with its seven-mile route popular with walkers, runners, cyclists and dog walkers, alongside sailors, birdwatchers, anglers and open-water swimmers.
Cllr Kamala Guliyeva, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure at WNC, said: "Brixworth Country Park is one of West Northamptonshire’s real treasures and a place that so many residents and visitors love to spend time in. This investment is fantastic news and will make an already much-loved destination even better, helping more people enjoy everything our wonderful country parks have to offer, whatever their interests or age."
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