Innovative Sustainable Drainage Design Planned for Waterloo East

News   |   Jan 2025

The South Bank and Waterloo Sustains Us partnership is thrilled to announce that £40,000 in funding has been awarded to develop an innovative landscape design in Waterloo East. Following the recent transformation and greening of Hercules Road, due to be completed in early 2025, this project will focus on streets south of Waterloo East Station, including Windmill Walk, Cons Street, Greet Street, and a small section of The Cut.

The project aims to reimagine these streets with integrated Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) to reduce surface water flood risks and create more access to greenery for residents, visitors, and businesses.

The project will also support wildlife habitat, boost local biodiversity, and help cool surrounding areas during summer heatwaves.

The project is co-funded through contributions from Sustains Us partners, including Lambeth Council and South Bank and Waterloo Neighbours. The Mayor of London’s Air Quality Fund and the Cross River Partnership’s Healthy Streets Everyday II (HSE II) programme have also provided funding.

Introducing SuDS and additional greening projects builds on the Sustains Us programmes commitment to fostering climate resilience, supporting biodiversity, and enhancing the overall environment for residents, workers, and visitors in South Bank and Waterloo.

We encourage residents and local businesses to share their ideas and insights to shape the design, ensuring the proposals reflect the needs of the community and enhance the space for those who use it most, while delivering wider benefits for visitors. To get involved or learn more, please contact us via the contact form at the bottom of the page.

Pictured: Greet Street
Pictured: Windmill Walk

What is sustainable drainage?

Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) are a natural approach to managing water drainage that mimics how water would naturally flow and be absorbed in an undeveloped landscape. Instead of quickly channelling rainwater through pipes and sewers, SuDS slow down water runoff and treat it close to where it falls.

SuDS act like a natural sponge by capturing rainwater where it lands, storing water temporarily, filtering out pollutants and allowing water to slowly seep into the ground or sewer network.

Banner image credit: SuDS Watch London (@SuDSradarLDN)