To address surface flooding in Croydon’s busy town centre while introducing green infrastructure that improves air quality, biodiversity, and community wellbeing.

This project involved designing, fabricating, and installing three large steel rain garden planters spanning over 90m² along London Road, capable of capturing rainwater runoff from a 400m² area.

To address these challenges, the following steps were taken:

• SuDS Planter Design: Large, raised powder-coated steel planters were designed with perforations, granular layers, and geotextile membranes to control water absorption and runoff.
• Plant Selection: A diverse selection of plants was chosen for their resilience in both drought and waterlogged conditions while contributing to biodiversity.
• Flood Management Integration: The planters captured rainwater, reduced strain on drainage systems, and allowed excess water to filter slowly into the ground.
• Tree Protection Measures: Custom barriers were added around trees for long-term health, enabling space for inspections and growth.

• Managing significant water runoff from a large catchment area.
• Ensuring the planters could handle both drought and water saturation.
• Balancing functional flood management with aesthetic enhancement.

The project delivered lasting environmental, social, and visual benefits:

• Flood Reduction: The planters effectively reduced surface flooding along London Road by capturing excess rainwater.
• Urban Biodiversity: The rain gardens enhanced biodiversity with pollinator-friendly plants.
• Air Quality Improvement: Plants acted as natural air filters, improving local air quality.
• Enhanced Streetscape: The greenery transformed the urban space into a more inviting and pedestrian-friendly environment.