The Bazalgette Embankment, London's newest riverside space beneath and next to Blackfriars Bridge, opened to the public in January 2026 but several sections remain incomplete, including unoccupied units, a closed public toilet, and a kiosk that has yet to become operational.
Built as part of the Thames Tideway mega-project, the 1.5-acre site is one of several parks constructed to cover access shafts along the super sewer's route. Named after Victorian engineer Sir Joseph Bazalgette, it offers seating and extensive planting for those seeking refuge from the bustle of the City of London. The reclaimed land also allows pedestrians to walk from Westminster to the Tower of London almost entirely along the riverfront.
Ongoing delays and unfinished elements
Visiting the embankment, it is clear that elements of the scheme are incomplete. There are instances of graffiti and wear-and-tear, with skateboarders and others frequenting the site. Alderwoman Martha Grekos, representative for the local Castle Baynard ward, raised concerns about the apparent lack of oversight and activation of the space since its opening.
The delay is attributed to the process involved in fully opening up the embankment. It is currently in the hands of Tideway, the company formed to finance and build the super sewer, while outstanding works such as minor 'snagging'—inspecting the newly-built space for defects—are finished. Once completed, the site is to be handed over to Thames Water, which will take on its management and maintenance. The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) has been told this is expected to be done by the end of the year, though Tideway said there is no formal agreed date but it is working with relevant stakeholders and partners.
Concerns over management and activation
Alderwoman Grekos said it is a shame the embankment “is not being actively managed and looked after given what appears to be ongoing delays to agree maintenance contracts.” She added that since the space was opened to the public at the start of the year, all of this should have been sorted out beforehand.
“The units under the undercroft are on the [City of London] Corporation’s land, so it should be marketing those regardless because by having tenants there it not only activates the space and brings in economic prosperity but also helps with self regulation of the area: rubbish, graffiti and damage by skateboarders would reduce substantially,” she said. “If the Corporation is promoting a Destination City vision, then it should be prioritising this.”
Architect calls for clear strategy
Roger Hawkins, a Founding Partner at architectural firm Hawkins/Brown which designed all eight of the pumping station sites including Bazalgette Embankment, said the management and programming of the space needs to be considered as much as the physical design. He told the LDRS: “These issues were considered by the City during the design process when there was enthusiasm for the potential of markets, public performances, and other events.”
“In addition, the City owns the adjacent undercroft, which could be enhanced with bars and cafés, bringing activity, culture, and a stronger sense of place to what has otherwise been a relatively forgotten stretch of the River Walk. These opportunities could significantly enhance the public experience in the City Riverside.”
Mr Hawkins added the concern, as the architects behind the designs, is not that it was opened to the public ahead of the contractual handover. “Rather, it is that the opening of a remarkable new public asset should be the beginning of its life, not the end of the project. There needs to be a clear strategy for who will manage, programme, and animate it, so that its full potential as a public destination for Londoners and visitors can be realised.”
Next steps and handover
A Tideway spokesperson told the LDRS the space is currently being finalised, including snagging works and certification ahead of the formal transfer to Thames Water. “Once handed back, Thames Water and the City of London will be the long-term custodians of the space.”
Alderwoman Grekos said that as the senior councillor representing the ward she wants environmental, social and economic values to flow through the area, which can only be delivered with good governance. “We all need to have pride in our public realm; a sense of collective ownership, belonging, and civic identity fostered through well-designed, inclusive, and beautifully maintained public spaces,” she said. “It’s time that the parties concerned sort out maintenance contracts quickly and start to let the kiosk in the middle of the park, let the units under the undercroft, open up the public toilets for use by all and switch on the fountains so everyone can enjoy the area that has been lovingly created.”
It's worth noting that many ornamental fountains in London are currently turned off due to water restrictions in place because of the ongoing drought.
