Kings Mill Reservoir boathouse update

The multi-million-pound boathouse, featuring a restaurant and water sports, at Kings Mill Reservoir is set to open in spring 2026. 

The building was completed in late 2024 as part of the Council’s Towns Deal programme and now a suitable operator has been found to run the facility. When the boathouse opens in 2026 it will feature a restaurant on the first floor, and access to water sports on the ground floor. 

The leisure building is a key part of the Council’s vision to enhance the area’s night time economy, as well as increasing the number of visitors to the reservoir and surrounding areas. 

Cllr Rachel Madden, Executive Lead Member for Finance, Revenues and Benefits said

“Our vision is for the boathouse to become a flagship building within Ashfield – somewhere people can come to eat and drink, amid the tranquil setting of the reservoir, and a place for local people to enjoy a range of water sports.

“Of course we had hoped it would be open before now and we are disappointed by how long it has taken to reach this point, but we finally have an agreement, and we’re excited about it opening next spring.”

Under the agreement, the new operator will invest £316,000 over five years into the site.

Posted on 16 December 2025