Case studies

Royal Docks Corridor Rain Gardens

Creating Sustainable Urban Environments: Royal Docks Rain Gardens

The Royal Docks Rain Garden project is an integral part of a larger initiative led by Newham Council in collaboration with the Royal Docks Team – a joint effort from the Mayor of London and the Mayor of Newham. This ambitious undertaking is focused on revamping the road layout and street environment along the Royal Docks Corridor, which encompasses Silvertown Way and the section of North Woolwich Road leading up to Connaught Bridge. The first phase saw Meristem Design transform key areas along the Royal Docks Corridor with sustainable green infrastructure to combat urban flooding and enhance biodiversity.

A range of strategies were implemented to ensure the success of Phase One:

Rain Garden Design

Custom rain gardens were installed to capture surface runoff, allowing water to be absorbed and filtered naturally through layered substrates.

Diverse Planting

Over 50 varieties of hardy trees, shrubs, and plants were selected for resilience and aesthetic impact, including those suited to shade and exposed areas.

Strategic Tree Placement

Eight six-metre trees were positioned for both visual impact and functional benefits such as air quality improvement and biodiversity support.

Sense of Place

The creation of a 'sense of place' was a key component when implementing the infrastructure, helping to make the area more attractive and inviting.

The first phase of the Royal Docks Rain Garden project has already delivered significant environmental and community benefits

Flood Mitigation

The rain gardens have effectively reduced surface flooding by capturing rainwater and slowly releasing it back into the ground.

Biodiversity Boost

The planting of 5,000 plants, including pollinator-friendly species, has enhanced local biodiversity and created vital habitats.

Improved Public Space

The new greenery and tree planting have transformed a busy urban corridor into a more welcoming, aesthetically pleasing environment.

Health and Wellbeing

By reducing air pollution and creating a greener, safer space, the project promotes healthier, more enjoyable public areas for local communities.

Client

Newham Council

Location

Sectors

Local Authorities

Products & Services

Featured products, landscapes & services

Rain Gardens

Transforming surface runoff into a sustainable solution, rain gardens capture rainfall before it enters the piped network and either releases it slowly into the network or allows it to infiltrate into the ground, preventing flooding.

Public Realm

At Meristem Design, we help create greener, healthier and more vibrant public spaces, from flood-reducing rain gardens through to interactive pocket parks.

Get in touch

If you like what you've seen in our case study and want to learn more about how this could work in your setting, please get in touch.

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Royal Docks Corridor Rain Gardens

Rain Garden Design

Diverse Planting

Strategic Tree Placement

Sense of Place

Flood Mitigation

Biodiversity Boost

Improved Public Space

Health and Wellbeing

Featured products, landscapes & services

Rain Gardens

Public Realm

Get in touch

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