St. Matthew's Estate

This scheme is part of Lambeth Council’s Soak Up Lambeth initiative, where the council has partnered with Thames Water Utilities to help reduce the current and future impact of climate change on flood risk. This work is needed because when it rains in Lambeth, water from our roofs and paved surfaces enters the same sewer pipes as our toilets, sinks and washing machines. During heavy storms, rainwater overloads the sewers, causing flooding to those that live downstream. This can also stop drains from working, causing localised flooding upstream. The situation poses risks to property as well as people's health and wellbeing. We are looking to install Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) on Tulse Hill to store the rainwater from the roofs and paved surfaces, and then slowly release it back into the sewer. This will help to reduce the risk of flooding in the borough.

While there are many possible locations to introduce SuDS, sites were selected based on the results of a flood modelling assessment. This study highlighted key opportunity areas which will have the highest impact on flooding in the borough. SuDS can come in many shapes and sizes, and can also help to improve the local environment and recreational space. 

On St. Matthew's Estate, rainwater from roofs and paved surfaces will be directed into two wildlife ponds and basins filled with wildflowers and other plants. There will also be a nature trail and play features, encouraging children and adults to interact with nature while passing through the estate.

The basins are designed to capture water from normal and more extreme storms, which are becoming even more extreme, and more frequent, as our climate changes. Taking inspiration from nature, the aim of the project is to build resilience to flooding and droughts into the local landscape and community. It will also reduce local reliance on London's Victorian sewer system, which overflows on rainy days and pollutes the River Thames.

The proposed scheme design at St Matthews Estate