Landscape Design Underway for Waterloo East
South Bank and Waterloo Sustains Us is pleased to share that work has begun on the Waterloo East Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) and Landscape Design Project.
The landscape architecture practice Turkington Martin have been appointed to deliver the project. They bring strong experience in creating high-quality, nature-based public spaces that are attractive, practical and designed with the community in mind.
Introducing the Waterloo Green Seam
The first step will be to develop a greening plan for the wider Waterloo East area. This will begin with a co-design consultation and area walkabout with residents and local businesses. The aim is to explore how the streets around Waterloo East can become greener, healthier and better connected.
The project will look at how landscape improvements can help reduce flood risk, improve air quality and create spaces that support wildlife and community wellbeing.
Following these initial discussions, Turkington Martin will begin a detailed design process to explore how spaces on Cons Street and nearby junctions could be improved. The focus will be on reducing the risk of flooding caused by heavy rain, creating a clean air and more connected walking route between Waterloo East and Southwark stations, and adding more space for nature.
This project builds on the recent greening work along Hercules Road, helping to expand green routes across the neighbourhood.
Waterloo’s Watery History
Before Waterloo Station was built in 1848, much of this area was part of the Lambeth Marshe, a low-lying landscape shaped by water. Today, this part of SE1 faces environmental challenges such as surface water flooding, air pollution, heat stress and limited access to green space.
The project aims to reconnect Waterloo with its watery heritage by using nature-based design to manage rainwater, cool streets and bring greenery into the urban environment. This will include features such as rain gardens (planted areas that collect and absorb rainwater) and tree pits.
How You Can Get Involved
Over the coming months, the design team will work closely with We Are Waterloo, Lambeth Council and other local organisations to develop both the wider landscape vision and the detailed design for the proposed drainage solutions.
Community involvement is central to this process. Your views will help shape how the plans for the area evolve.
Join us for a community walkabout to explore the project area, share your thoughts and learn more about how the design is developing.
To join the walkabout, find out more or share your views, please get in touch using the form below.