The Proposals

The proposal is to buttress the weir with rock to support the structure and reduce the slope of the weir thus removing the hydraulic jump and the danger of continued erosion.

Buttressing the weir provides the opportunity to incorporate an enhanced fish pass to facilitate the free migration of fish in the River Aire. Fish – including salmon, trout and eels - naturally migrate along rivers to find the best places to shelter, feed and breed. The fish pass will incorporate a side channel which enables the pass to operate over the wide range of flows called for by the EU Water Framework Directive; in addition it provides safe canoe passage.

By restoring the migration routes on the River Aire HWL will help to re-establish sustainable fish populations in West Yorkshire and up to the YorkshireDalesNational Park. The Hirst Weir project will complement other fish pass projects along the river and will provide immediate benefits to coarse fish and brown trout. In time, salmon, sea trout and eel will also use the Hirst Weir fish pass.

In July 2012 Hirst Weir Ltd carried out emergency repairs to the weir financed by Bradford Amateur Rowing Club.

Working in partnership with the Environment Agency, Hirst Weir Ltd commissioned a feasibility study and detailed design. HWL acknowledge generous support from EA, BARC and Arup.

This work has provided all the documents needed to apply for planning permission and to put the work out for a design and build contract.