The Western Riverside Waste Authority (WRWA) could spend up to £20 million to modernise Cringle Dock, a waste transfer station in Nine Elms that serves four London boroughs and handles around 260,000 tonnes of waste annually. The proposed upgrade, detailed in a report to Kensington and Chelsea Council's Environment Select Committee, aims to replace ageing infrastructure and address occasional unpleasant odours from the site's open design.
Ageing infrastructure and operational risks
Cringle Dock, located next to Battersea Power Station, was built in the 1970s and is used by Wandsworth, Lambeth, Hammersmith & Fulham, and Kensington & Chelsea. The report warns of "risks associated with continuing to operate Cringle Dock without major investment," highlighting the need for a "major investment" to create a more modern and resilient facility.
The upgrade would replace outdated equipment while ensuring waste can continue to be transported by river, reducing the number of heavy vehicles on London's roads. The project could also integrate the adjoining Kirtling Wharf site, though several issues must be resolved first, according to WRWA.
Plans for visitor centre and Thames Path reconnection
Beyond infrastructure improvements, the project aims to reconnect The Thames Path and establish a visitor and education centre to teach the public about waste and recycling. Plans remain in the early design phase, with Grimshaw Architects LLP and WSP UK Ltd appointed to oversee the design.
Kirsten Lees, Partner at Grimshaw, said: "The opportunity is clear – to reimagine Cringle Dock not as hidden infrastructure but as a centre of environmental excellence. The function of infrastructure, its critical role within and enabling the life of our cities, is to be celebrated not hidden. Our design will be a mechanism to realise this and create wider benefits to the community, residents and visitors."
Funding and next steps
The potential £20 million investment was identified via tender search engine BidStats. The report to Kensington and Chelsea Council's Environment Select Committee outlines the need for investment to mitigate operational risks and improve the site's environmental performance.
As the design phase progresses, WRWA will need to resolve issues related to Kirtling Wharf integration and finalise funding arrangements. The project is expected to deliver long-term benefits for the four boroughs and the local community, including improved environmental standards and new public access to the riverfront.
