Fifteen blocks of granite removed from the river wall as part of the super sewer project have been transformed into benches within the City of London.

The blocks were reclaimed by Tideway – the company building London’s super sewer – at its site in Westminster, Victoria Embankment Foreshore.

And now, they form part of a newly re-landscaped public garden in the City of London, at the junction of Cheapside and New Change.

The garden was formally opened last week, and incorporates the salvaged granite alongside recycled timber for the benches, new permeable paving, and a range of new plant species selected to benefit local wildlife.

This project forms part of wider enhancements in the Cheapside area to develop the local environment and improve air quality, particularly through new green spaces and tree planting.

Funding for the project came from a mix of the City Corporation’s Climate Action Fund, as well as private sector contributions from the Cheapside Business Alliance (the local Business Improvement District) and C Hoare & Co, Britain’s oldest private bank which has deep historic ties to the site.

Deputy Chair of the City of London Corporation’s Streets and Walkways Sub-Committee, John Edwards, said: “The new garden at the Junction of Cheapside and New Change is a great example of a public private partnership working for the benefit of City workers, residents and visitors alike.

“The new landscaping gives the space enhanced accessibility, openness and better lines of sight through the local area, making footfall easier and providing a dedicated event space for local communities and businesses, in line with Destination City and Cheapside Business Alliance aspirations to run events all year round.”