Plan to Reopen Brentford's Historic Standpipe Tower
Appeal launched to restore opportunity to see panoramic views
The iconic standpipe tower has been shut for six years. Picture: London Museum of Water & Steam
July 18, 2025
The London Museum of Water & Steam has launched a new crowdfunding campaign to restore and reopen its iconic Standpipe Tower. The prominent landmark in Brentford thas remained closed to the public since 2019 due to internal decay and contamination.
Built in 1867, the 210-foot-high tower was inspired by Italian campanile (church tower) architecture and houses five large vertical cast-iron pipes. These pipes played a crucial role in regulating water pressure in the era of early steam-powered pumping engines, which operated in pulses. By smoothing the flow before it entered the mains, the system helped deliver a more consistent water supply. The Standpipe Tower is believed to be the only surviving full-height example in the world that still contains its original pipework.
he Museum has already secured a £30,000 grant for the project but is now seeking to raise an additional £15,000 through public donations to reach the total estimated restoration cost of £45,000. As part of the appeal, the first £5,000 in public donations will be match funded by a private donor, doubling the impact of early contributions.
Once restored, the Tower will reopen to visitors, offering panoramic views over Brentford, Kew Gardens, and even central London landmarks such as The Shard and Canary Wharf. The Museum hopes the project will not only bring the tower back into public use but also enhance its long-term financial sustainability by creating a new visitor attraction and revenue stream.
The Standpipe Tower has long been a key feature of the Museum and its wider heritage offer. As well as its architectural and engineering significance, it serves as an immersive reminder of how water was managed and distributed across Victorian London.
To encourage public support, the Museum is offering themed rewards to donors, including commemorative pins, guided tours, and the opportunity to take part in the first public climb to the top of the tower upon its reopening.
The Museum aims to complete the fundraising by August 2025 and begin work shortly thereafter.
Click here to donate to the appeal.
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