Sutcliffe Park Flood Alleviation Project

How it works

• The inner part of the park will be closed to the public.
  
  
• If water reaches a certain level in the encased areas (culverts), it will enter the park via openings (known as weirs) built into the culvert. These openings are by the inlet in the southeast and along the park’s northern perimeter.
  
  
• The water level within the park will slowly rise and the area surrounding it will become flooded; the water level will rise in a controlled way, over a period of hours.
  
  
• When the flood warning has expired, water will flow away safely, to the River Thames at Deptford Creek.
  

Main changes to the park

• The central area of Sutcliffe Park was excavated, producing a vast 'bowl', in which flood waters can be contained.
  
  
• A lake was created.
  
  
• The Quaggy was re-established as a meandering, natural water course.
  
  
• An inlet was created in the park’s southeast corner. The culvert remains and water continues to flow through it. 
  
  
• An outlet was constructed in the northwest corner.
  
  
• Openings in the existing culvert were made.
  
  
• Paths were created and boardwalks and bridges installed
  
  
• Aquatic plants were introduced and water-loving trees (such as willows and alders) were planted.
  
  
• As part of the scheme, a second flood storage area was created, to the west of Sutcliffe Park, on land to the west of Kidbrooke Park Road.

Ecological benefits