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Tideway: Images reveal first look of seven new public spaces to be built along Thames

Inspired by the man who designed London’s original sewer system over 150 years ago, seven new public spaces are to be built along the River Thames as part of the project that will see the construction of the capital’s new ‘super sewer’.

The 25km Thames Tideway Tunnel is being built to tackle the problem of sewage pollution in the River Thames with the promise of “reconnecting Londoners” by preventing millions of tonnes of untreated sewage flowing into the Thames each year.

But the company behind the sewer’s construction say cleaning up the Thames is not the full remit of the £4.2bn scheme. Like Sir Joseph Bazalgette did 150 years ago, Tideway has presented their vision to build out onto the river creating the Victoria, Albert and Chelsea Embankments.

Artist impressions released unveil the seven new landscaped areas which will include sites at Chelsea, Albert, Victoria and Putney Embankments, as well as at Blackfriars Bridge, King Edward Memorial Park and Heathwall Pumping Station.

Furthermore, Londoners will get a first of its kind opportunity to dip their toe in the much cleaner water at Victoria and Chelsea Embankments and at King Edward Memorial Park with the sites becoming ‘floodable’ at high tides.

Roger Bailey, Tideway’s chief technical officer, said: “When Sir Joseph Bazalgette unveiled his vision for London’s sewer system more than 150 years ago, he changed the look and character of the city with the creation of the Chelsea, Victoria and Albert Embankments. Similarly, the construction of London’s new super sewer will create three acres of new public space designed to reconnect the capital’s residents and visitors with the River Thames. In keeping with Bazalgette’s legacy, the new public spaces will be designed to enhance the environment and provide a lasting legacy. Our ambition is to celebrate the River Thames as the heart of London.”

The three architect consortia are as follows; Hawkins\Brown, Aecom, Gillespies, Studio Dekka (Central section) Mott Macdonald, muf, Weston/Williamson-Partners (East section) and Arup/Atkins (West section).

Tim Heading, architecture and landscape lead of Arup Atkins Joint Venture, said: “The Thames Tideway Tunnel will help transform the river and we are very pleased that the valuable experience, expertise and approach of the combined Arup and Atkins teams is being utilised to promote a positive change in the relationship that Londoners and visitors have with the Thames.”

Harbinder Birdi, Hawkins/Brown Architects, said: “We are delighted to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work alongside engineers and artists in re-imagining London’s relationship with the River Thames.”

Steve Bell, Weston Williamson and Partners, said: “It is a tremendous privilege to be part of a project that is key to the rehabilitation of the River Thames, and to create new public spaces at the river’s edge.”

If you would like to contact Ryan Tute about this, or any other story, please email rtute@infrastructure-intelligence.com.