As part of the Tideway project to upgrade London’s sewer infrastructure, the Foreshore combines massive below-ground structures with an extension of the park above for the local community.

Tideway’s work to upgrade London’s 19th century sewer infrastructure presents an extraordinary opportunity to radically improve both the quality of the Thames river environment, and the quality and accessibility of the riverside open spaces for the enjoyment of the capital’s residents, workers and visitors.

King Edward Memorial Park is the location of one of the most polluting sewer overflows into the river in London, which currently overflows the equivalent of more than 300 Olympic-sized swimming pools each year.

The starting point for the design is the arrangement of massive below-ground structures necessary to meet the project technical requirements. But the site is also at the sensitive river edge of a hugely important green space in East London: a vital amenity for multiple communities.

Alongside extending the park, WW+P’s design provides a series of complementary experiences that encourage visitors to reconnect with the river, meeting Tideway’s vision of ‘Reconnecting London with the River Thames’. A sequence of riverside terraces will descend towards the water, alongside a new public square and areas of planting to encourage new habitats and increase biodiversity.

Permanent infrastructure and requirements of operations, access and maintenance are carefully incorporated for minimal impact. The design is within a wider masterplan for the park, developed through close consultation with local residents and the local authority.

“The Tideway project is vital to the health of the Thames – addressing the most significant source of pollution in the river. Our design for King Edward Memorial Park Foreshore, one of five sites we’re developing in East London, capitalises fully on the opportunity presented to enhance this important community asset. Our approach seamlessly integrates the project’s technical constraints and gives careful consideration on how it might be used, to deliver a design that is a genuine asset and complement to the existing park.” - Steve Bell, Director, WW+P