Mortlake SuDS Project

What is the project and how will it benefit you? 

The Mortlake SuDS Project will improve green spaces and recreational areas along Mortlake High Street and the neighbouring Mortlake Community Hall using Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS). These systems revolutionise how cities cope with rainwater and provide a range of benefits for local communities: 

• They Slow the speed of surface water run-off, reducing the risk of a flood
• They reduce the risk of sewer flooding during heavy rainfall
• They reduce water pollution
• They allow the ground to store water to prevent drought
• They preserve wildlife habitats in urban areas
• They create new green 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.

How will Mortlake benefit from SuDS? 

We have the opportunity to create more attractive green spaces for the local community to enjoy as part of this project.

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:

• Preventing nuisance vehicle access – designs developed to discourage inappropriate vehicle access at key locations of contention
• Drying areas are still used, but could be reduced. Some areas for clothes drying will be retained for those who use them
• Planting that does not require lots of maintenance and looks good – low-maintenance plants that have flowers, scent or texture have been incorporated into designs. This will also be good for pollinators
• Localised flooding in some locations – where this is related to surface water run-off, SuDS have been integrated to resolve this issue. Flooding that is not caused by run-off has been highlighted to RHP
• More rainwater harvesting – water butts have been integrated into the designs, where a desire has been expressed by those interested in community growing

You can see the designs for the project as well as some example images of the features to expect below. 

Please note: the devices listed in the above master plan are potential options currently being considered. Final installation is not guaranteed and may vary depending on individual circumstances.

Some of the features in the designs include:

• Water butts
• New planting beds & areas
• Improved planting in existing beds
• Raised beds to allow further planting

Implementation is expected to begin around March 2026, with the aim of completing by June 2026.

Once a start date has been confirmed, we will be in touch to let you know more details.

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.

If you have any feedback or want to request a call back, please contact Ian Morris, Community Programme Manager at ian.morris@groundwork.org.uk