Flood management projects

We are working on projects which will help manage flood risk in Southwark.

These projects can involve Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) - flood management projects which mimic natural processes, such as ponds or green roofs. 

Embankments, ditches, culverts or flood storage areas can also be used to divert or store excess water.

The Greater London Authority (GLA) hosts a map which contains details and locations of SuDS across London. 

The case studies on this page have been led by the Southwark Flood Risk Management Team. Other local schemes may have been run by other council teams, communities, the Environment Agency and Thames Water.

Contact us if you are interested in a flood management project for your area.

Astley House

Astley House is an estate on Rowcross Street (SE1 5HU) where a SuDS will be built in Spring/Summer 2024. This will address pressure on the local sewer system, which can cause flooding during storms.

The solution

All roof drainpipes on the southeastern side of the Astley House building will connect to a new underground pipe. This pipe will transport rainwater to an area of lower ground in the open green space next to Astley House which will act as a basin. 

The results

During heavy rainfall, the basin will store rainwater temporarily and allow it to slowly be released into the sewer system. This will reduce pressure on the local sewer system.

The project will also help the environment by filtering polluting particles.

New planting in this area will improve the biodiversity of the housing estate and provide better outdoor space for residents.

Peckham Rye Park and Common

We plan to use Peckham Rye Park and Common’s floodwater storage capability to better protect the area from flooding.

The challenge

Peckham Rye has a high risk of surface water and sewer flooding. Between 2 and 37 sewer flooding incidents have been reported per postcode in the local area. Failure of nearby reservoirs (such as the Nunhead and Beechcroft Reservoirs) could cause flooding to Peckham Rye Park and Common and nearby properties.

The solution

The proposed solution is to build two embankments or 'bunds' in Peckham Rye Park and Common. These will safely store and drain flood water during storm events. Underground drainage and flow control devices will lower the rate of floodwater before it joins the existing sewer networks, improving sewer capacity.

The landscaping and underground drainage work will happen together. This will:

• reduce risk of flooding to nearby homes and roads
• include planting, which will improve biodiversity
• result in an improved path into the Park and Common
• make the Park and Common more accessible and enjoyable

The London Bridge area

London Bridge has been identified as an area at high risk of flooding.

To help reduce flood risk in the area, three sites were chosen for SuDS:

• Snowsfields
• Melior Street
• Lewes House

The new work has also created more green spaces in the area.

Snowsfields

At the junction of Snowsfields Road and Melior Place a rain garden has been installed with an underground tank to capture surface water during extreme rainfall. 

Melior Street

A rain garden has been installed at the end of Melior Street with an underground tank to store excess rainwater. The project has pedestrianised the end of the road and now directs water into the new rain garden.

Lewes House

Work was done at Lewes House North and Lewes House South.

At Lewes House South, rainwater pipes from the Lewes House building and garages were disconnected from the sewer system. Rainwater is now directed into two large bespoke planters which will store the water before reconnecting to the sewer system and releasing it at a slower rate.

The work at Lewes House North installed another rain garden with an underground tank which will store rainwater during extreme rainfall.

The results

The rain gardens and planters slow down and store surface water. This helps to reduce pressure on the sewer system. Rain gardens also improve water quality by filtering pollutants from the water.

Partners

Meristem Design provided the planters installed at Lewes House South. Read more about SuDS planters on Meristem Design's website.

Team London Bridge aided in the planting of rain gardens at Snowsfields and Melior Street which contributed to their London in Bloom 2023 entry on behalf of the London Bridge Business Improvement District (BID). The work was judged as a gold standard area and category winner.