A £325,000 investment has seen a grey, unprepossessing road in Waterloo transformed into a resilient green space, as part of the South Bank and Waterloo Net Zero 2030 Strategy.
The Hercules Road project was led by the WeAreWaterloo Business Improvement District (BID), Lambeth Council, and the South Bank and Waterloo Neighbours Forum (SoWN).
Cllr Rezina Chowdhury at the launch event
Five green buildouts have been created along the road, replacing parking areas with green spaces, cycle parking and seating.
Nearly 300m² of new plant beds and over a dozen new street trees have been introduced. The latter are particularly significant given that the Waterloo and South Bank ward has the lowest tree canopy cover in Lambeth, at just 11%.
According to the Greater London’s Authority Climate Risk Map, the area faces some of the highest climate risks in London including flood and heat risk and, as such, the new development will simultaneously help absorb excess rainwater, reduce surface water flooding, and provide shade.
The completion of the project – which was supported by over 80% of respondents in a community engagement process – was marked by an event which brought together local businesses, residents, and key partners.
Councillor Rezina Chowdhury, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Transport and Clean Air at Lambeth Council, praised the project: ‘We’re delighted to see Hercules Road transformed into a greener, more welcoming space. This work reflects Lambeth’s continued commitment to climate resilience, urban greening and community wellbeing.’
This is an opportune moment to mention that Cllr Chowdhury will be speaking at our National Air Quality Conference, which is being held on November 4th in London. Early bird tickets are now available.
Kate Poulter, Chief Executive of WeAreWaterloo BID, said: ‘This transformative project is a shining example of what can be achieved through the power of partnership. It’s been wonderful to watch new trees and hundreds of plants being planted over recent weeks in the final stages of completion, and we’re incredibly proud to see the impact the green spaces are already having on our local businesses, workers and residents.’
Revd. Giles Goddard, Chair of the South Bank and Waterloo Sustains Us Steering Group, added: ‘This green transformation goes far beyond aesthetics – it’s about creating inclusive, climate-smart spaces where our community can thrive. Hercules Road now sets a standard for what’s possible when partners come together with a shared vision.’
Hercules Road is home to a variety of independent businesses and is named after ‘Hercules Hall’, which was built by, and was the home of Philip Astley, the inventor of the modern circus.
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