Mortlake SuDS Project

Works to improve the spaces in your area will soon be starting!

Works are about to take place at RHP Mortlake to reduce surface water flooding after heavy rainfall and support local wildlife.

Contractors are expected to begin work in November 2026 with the aim of completing all works before the end of December 2026, though it is possible some works could continue into the new year.

Construction works will be restricted to Monday – Friday between 8am-5pm, with no noisy works starting before 8:30am. Weekend works are subject to advance written approval.

During this time, you can expect to see contractors on site and deliveries of materials from time to time. Some small areas will need to be temporarily fenced off for health and safety purposes whilst works are carried out, and the contractors may need to use a small number of parking spaces. Contractors will be required to ensure that access to buildings is maintained at all times.

Take a look at the masterplan and example images of what to expect

View the project designs and example images of the planned features:

The landscape masterplan illustrates the first phase of proposed surface water management enhancements, subject to below ground investigations and successful tendering of the works. The final installations may vary depending on individual circumstances.

Example SuDs from other projects

Some of the proposed SuDS features include: 

• Removal of small areas of hard paving and the installation of new planting beds that will be fed by and help manage rainwater
• Existing planting beds improved to better manage surface run-off and rainwater, with new plants for improved green structure and colour to enhance the appearance and feel of the estate
• Repairs to existing below-ground drainage networks
• Water butts in areas where interest was expressed in community growing and rainwater collection

A refresher about this project and how we got here

The Mortlake SuDS Project is an opportunity to create more attractive green spaces for the local community while also enhancing rainwater management, particularly to help reduce surface water flooding after heavy rainfall.

In March 2025 you engaged with us through a series of in-person events and an online survey to share your views about your existing spaces and what new features you would like to see.

Your main areas of feedback and how we have responded are:

• Localised flooding in some locations – where this is related to surface water run-off, SuDS have been integrated to help manage this. Flooding that is not caused by surface water run-off has been highlighted with Richmond Housing Partnership (RHP)
• Planting that requires minimal maintenance and complements the existing space – low maintenance plants with flowers, scent or texture have been incorporated into the designs, which will increase biodiversity and benefit pollinators and wildlife generally
• Preventing nuisance vehicle access – designs have been developed to discourage inappropriate vehicle access where possible
• More rainwater harvesting – water butts have been integrated into the designs, where residents have expressed an interest in community growing and rainwater collection
• Drying areas – these will remain as they are for now, though there may be opportunities to improve them in a later phase of estate improvement

In October 2025 you further engaged with us through a series of engagement stalls and doorstep conversations, to share your views about the initial designs. Feedback received was generally supportive, with no significant concerns raised.

A reminder of what Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) are

SuDS revolutionise how cities cope with rainwater, helping to manage rainfall more naturally while providing a range of benefits for local communities and the environment:

• They slow the flow of surface water run-off, reducing the risk of surface water flooding
• They reduce the risk of sewer flooding during heavy rainfall
• They reduce water pollution
• They allow the ground to store water and can help retain water during dry periods
• They enhance wildlife habitats in urban areas
• They create greener, more attractive spaces for people living in cities

Interested to learn more about SuDS and its benefits? Discover how SuDS can reduce flooding, improve water quality, and create greener spaces for communities!

Want to learn more about types of SuDS and some examples from previous projects? View the document below.

Who are the partners? 

Community BlueScapes is a partnership between Richmond Council, WWT and Barnes Common Ltd. The project is funded by DEFRA’s Flood and Coastal Resilience Innovation Programme and aims to increase resilience to flooding in the Beverley Brook catchment in Richmond. Community BlueScapes is funding the Mortlake SuDS project, which was proposed by RHP and Mortlake Hall to improve local flood resilience. 

RHP’s purpose is to provide safe, secure, affordable homes – opening the door to life opportunities. RHP owns and manages over 11,000 homes for social rent and shared ownership and operates across the boroughs of Richmond, Hounslow, Kingston, Hillingdon, and Spelthorne.

Mortlake Hall is a community hall for groups run by the Mortlake Community Association, children’s activities and parties, and other local groups.  It is situated near the RHP housing involved in this project. 

Groundwork London is a charity that supports local communities and businesses to build capacity and resilience, which is vital if we are to tackle hardship, achieve a just transition to net-zero and help nature recover in a way that reduces inequality and leads to better work and healthier, happier lives.

Contact

Contact Community BlueScapes on CommunityBlueScapes@richmond.gov.uk or 07977 818302 if you have any questions about the project or works.