London has gained a significant new public space on the banks of the River Thames, finally creating an uninterrupted riverside walk along a key historic stretch of the capital. The Bazalgette Embankment, a 1.5-acre site next to Blackfriars Bridge, was officially opened to the public on 13 January 2026.
A Legacy Project Born from Infrastructure
This new embankment is directly linked to one of London's largest-ever infrastructure projects. The site was a major works compound for the Thames Tideway Tunnel – the 25-kilometre 'super sewer' designed to prevent sewage overflows into the river. The area had been closed off for nine years during construction.
Named in honour of Sir Joseph Bazalgette, the visionary Victorian engineer who built London's original sewer network and embankments, this new space is the largest single structure built into the River Thames in approximately 150 years. It transforms a vital construction zone into a permanent asset for the city.
Features of the New Riverside Space
The embankment is designed as a fully accessible public realm. It boasts wide walkways, numerous seating areas, pocket parks, and 71 newly planted trees. A key highlight is the public art programme, which features five sculptures by Glasgow-based artist Nathan Coley. The most prominent is 'Waterwall', an 8.8-metre-high sculpture incorporating a cascading water feature.
Accessibility has been a core design principle. The area includes ramps and a generous four-metre-wide footpath. Furthermore, new lifts installed to the east of Blackfriars Bridge now provide direct access from the river, allowing the site to be reached by boat.
A Lasting Legacy for Londoners
Roger Bailey, Tideway's chief technical officer, emphasised the transformation. "What began as a vital construction site for the super sewer has been transformed into a remarkable public space – a place to pause, explore and enjoy the river in a way that hasn't been possible for generations," he said.
He added, "Bazalgette Embankment stands as a celebration of what thoughtful engineering and long-term investment can deliver for the capital and for everyone who calls it home." The embankment is one of seven new riverside spaces created by the super sewer project, leaving a legacy of improved access and beauty along the Thames.
For the first time, it is now possible to walk along the north bank of the Thames from Westminster to the Tower of London without having to divert away from the water's edge. This new connection is a boon for commuters, tourists, and residents seeking to enjoy one of London's most iconic landscapes.
