Southwark’s planning committee is set to approve £300,000 for improvements to the Thames Path by the Dickens Estate in Bermondsey.  

The funding comes from a S106 agreement with Thames Water, and is to mitigate the impact of the Thames Tideway Tunnel, a 25km ‘super sewer’ being built under the river. 

Major construction works are required to build the tunnel, which will capture the flows of storm sewage from 34 sewer overflow points along the Thames, over several years. 

“There are two sites in Southwark where works are to be carried out, these being at Chambers Wharf and Shad Thames Pumping Station, both in Bermondsey.  

“As part of the long-term mitigation strategy, improvements to the Thames Path within the local area was identified as a key method in helping the local community and to mitigate the impact of the development,” according to the report.  

The area of the Thames Path eligible for funding runs directly both east and west of the Chambers Wharf worksite. 

From early assessments, council officers are considering an outdoor ‘green gym’, new paving, “enhanced greenery”, and new seating.  

A more comprehensive consultation with residents and local councillors will take place in future.  

“Funding the improvements to this historic and iconic Thames Path area will only help to continue the legacy it holds within Southwark.  

“The improvements will have a multitude of benefit to the area and local residents.   

“Ideas such as the green gym will also go some way to help to mitigate from the impacts of the Chambers Wharf worksite.  

“It will also help to motivate children to participate in physical activity which can only benefit in a number of different ways including mental health.  

“The redesign and improvement of the Thames Path could be done in a way which would also help to potentially reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in that zone.  

“The redevelopment and improvement of the existing Thames Path would also help to visually improve the area.  

“The area is iconic for the panoramic views it provides and with the improvement to that area the experience of using the Thames Path from a visual perspective can only be enhanced.  

“New equipment, seating and ideas would brighten the community atmosphere and encourage residents and children to engage within this space,” the report states.  

The committee will decide on the proposal, recommended for approval, on Monday (July 27).