United Utilities
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United Utilities Metering depot sits besides Audenshaw resevoir in Tameside. So far we have been unable to obtain any information as to when the depot was constructed, but do know it closed around 2002.
The depot itself is quite big and surprisingly has no signs of vandalism or grafitti any where. Which is quite hard to believe given its location is in Audenshaw.
From the outside the depot looks rather dull and uninviting but once inside it becomes totally the opposite.
Once we had accessed the perimeter expectations seemed optimistic as the place looked very secure. Fortunatley for us though it wasn`t.
Upon entry we where surprised at how much stuff had been left. Some of the workshops still containing machinery and tools still in working order.
Bottled water was in abundance in the main warehouse but out of date. The most amazing find we came across was the huge array of maps left behind. Detailing in depth underground tunnels, sewers and access points to various streets and locations in the borough.
The maps where extremely detailed and it still makes us wonder why United Utilities left them there? Although we are very glad they did.
The detail was so precise it was unbelievable. Even the diameter of manholes and electrical cables where on there, which was something we did not expect to see.
Maps are always good to find but when you find hundreds all together in alphabetical order. And in order of locations. Its an added bonus. It also kept us occupied for a few hours whilst we perused through them.
A few things are odd about this site. The first and most obvious is why United Utilities have left so much equipment in there including detailed maps of the entire borough? The second thing is that there is still power going into the site?
We think the power was for the CCTV cameras that are scattered all over the site but on inspecting these closer none of them were working.
The only other possible explanation is that its used to power a communications mast towards the rear of the depot.
As of late 2008 the depot was demolished.
