Tideway’s construction workat Putneyis nowsubstantiallycompleteand the new riverside area created as part of the project is open to the public.
The completion of our work at Putney was an important milestone before the project went live in 2024. This is when the system was switched on and started to protect the Thames from sewage pollution for the first time. The tunnel is due to be fully operational in 2025, when it will prevent an estimated 95 per cent of sewage spills that currently overflow into the River Thames, improving the water quality for fish and other wildlife - and for people who use it for recreation and leisure.
At the Putney site we have:
Created a new riverside space with artworks inspired by the River Thames including a new bronze marker for the start line of the University Boat Race
Excavated a 36m-deep shaft and built a connecting tunnel to intercept the Putney Bridge Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO), linking it to the main sewer tunnel beneath the Thames.
Installed mechanical and electrical equipment to make the system run smoothly.
Aerial view during construction
Aerial of the new riverside space
The main tunnel, to which the Putney CSO now links
Brand New
Riverside Space
The new space makes visible for the first time the above-ground legacy of the super sewer. The space enhances the existing embankment, providing seating and an enhanced visual connection with the river. As part of our public art programme, we have installed artworks borne out of Putney’s rich heritage. They include bronze handrails cast from oars; a bronze marker for the start line of the University Boat Race; and artworks on the walls of our operational kiosk building. Timber-laid benches facing the river are positioned to make the most of the view upstream to Hammersmith and downstream, through the bridge arches.
The space has been designed to support access for those with reduced mobility. There is level access with varied seating provided including space provision at the end of benches for wheelchair users. Granite paving provides a consistent, smooth surface and tactile paving denotes changes in levels. The space also offers enhancements to the Thames Path, with improvements including re-laid paving, improving existing tree pits with resin bound gravel and new bike stands. The listed bollards have been repainted and reinstated.
Claire Barclay
Water Finds a Level
Claire Barclay has been commissioned to create a series of artworks for the new public realm site at Putney. The artist’s proposal responds to the site’s history as set out in Tideway’s Heritage Interpretation Strategy. The ‘cultural meander’ for the West section of the tunnel is ‘Recreation to Industry: Society in Transition.’ and the site-specific narrative for Putney relates to ways in which cultural context influences popular movements advocating social change, to generate varied forms of political engagement.
The opening of the riverside space in an area synonymous with the river community, makes visible for the first time the above ground legacy of the super sewer, with hints to the feat of engineering deep below.
Putney Embankment - From the beginning
Putney pipe jacking machines
"Here at Putney, we're actually in the river"
Putney Embankment Foreshore
Tideway unveils vision for new public space along the River Thames
