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A brand-new embankment on the Thames has opened in west London

The capital is getting seven ‘mini parks’ by the river

Ed Cunningham
Written by
Ed Cunningham
News Editor, Time Out UK and Time Out London
Putney Embankment, new embankment by Tideway
Photograph: Tideway
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Next time you’re taking a gander down the Thames in Putney, west London, watch out for a brand-new place from which to take in some sweet, sweet river views. A new bit of embankment has opened near Putney Bridge that stretches out over 50 square metres.

The embankment itself is pretty simple, currently featuring wooden benches, some works by artist Claire Barclay and a surprisingly shapely ventilation shaft. One of Barclay’s artworks marks the start of the University Boat Races, an annual rowing competition between the Oxford and Cambridge unis.

So why has Putney got a new bit of embankment? Well, that bit’s actually quite exciting. The project is the result of London’s new ‘super sewer’ (officially known as the Thames Tideway project), which involves building a massive sewage overflow tunnel beneath the capital.

As a result of the scheme, London will eventually get seven new ‘mini parks’ in spaces that have been reclaimed from the Thames. They’ll be at Chelsea, Nine Elms, Albert Embankment, Victoria Embankment, Blackfriars Bridge and Shadwell.

Putney’s new embankment marks the first of these ‘mini parks’ – and it looks delightful. Here are a few pics of the place.

Tideway's new Putney Embankment in west London
Photograph: Tideway
Tideway's new Putney Embankment in west London
Photograph: Tideway
Tideway's new Putney Embankment in west London
Photograph: Tideway

Time Out’s take 

A totally new place for some Thameside chilling... what’s not to like? You can, after all, never have too many embankments.

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