Organisation
WeAreWaterloo
Theme
Transport
Goals
Resilient communities, Green infrastructure, Biodiversity, Air quality
Community Celebrates New Climate Resilient Space
Hercules Road has been transformed into a vibrant, climate-resilient corridor in the heart of Waterloo, following the successful completion of a collaborative greening project led by WeAreWaterloo Business Improvement District (BID) (opens in a new window), Lambeth Council (opens in a new window), and the South Bank and Waterloo Neighbours Forum (SoWN) (opens in a new window) as a result of £325,000 investment.
To celebrate the completion of a major urban greening initiative, an event was held at Hercules Road, bringing together local businesses, residents, and key partners. This transformation is especially significant for the Waterloo and South Bank ward, which has some of the lowest tree canopy cover in Lambeth and faces some of the highest climate risks in London, including flooding and rising temperatures. The project has delivered five new green buildouts along Hercules Road, replacing grey carriageway with nearly 300m² of lush plant beds, over a dozen new street trees, new cycle parking, and increased seating. These enhancements not only beautify the neighbourhood but also help absorb excess rainwater, reduce surface water flooding, and provide vital shade and respite for residents, workers, and visitors alike.
This project is part of the broader South Bank and Waterloo Net Zero 2030 Strategy, a joint initiative by the South Bank and Waterloo Sustains Us (opens in a new window) partnership, which includes WeAreWaterloo BID, Lambeth Council, South Bank and Waterloo Neighbours Forum, South Bank BID, and the South Bank Employers’ Group (SBEG).
“We’re delighted to see Hercules Road transformed into a greener, more welcoming space. This work reflects Lambeth’s continued commitment to environmental resilience, urban greening, and community well-being.”
Councillor Rezina Chowdhury, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Transport and Clean Air at Lambeth Council, said,
“This transformative project is a shining example of what can be achieved through the power of partnership. It’s been wonderful to watch new trees and hundreds of plants being planted over recent weeks in the final stages of completion, and we’re incredibly proud to see the impact the green spaces are already having on our local businesses, workers and residents.”
Kate Poulter, Chief Executive of WeAreWaterloo BID, said,
“This green transformation goes far beyond aesthetics – it’s about creating inclusive, climate-smart spaces where our community can thrive. Hercules Road now sets a standard for what’s possible when partners come together with a shared vision.”
Revd. Giles Goddard, Chair of the South Bank and Waterloo Sustains Us Steering Group, added,
The Hercules Road project, devised by WeAreWaterloo and co-developed with Lambeth Council, was made possible through a blend of funding from Lambeth Council’s Capital Investment Programme, the Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy, the Mayor of London’s Air Quality Fund, and the Cross River Partnership’s Healthy Streets Everyday II programme. Additional design funding was secured through the GLA’s Grow Back Greener Fund.
The project also follows an extensive community engagement process, where over 80% of respondents supported or strongly supported the greening plans.
Hercules Road is home to a diverse range of independent businesses, including catering companies, charities and a pottery studio. The road is named after ‘Hercules Hall’, which was built by, and was the home of Philip Astley, the inventor of the modern circus, but its most well-known resident was the poet and visionary artist William Blake.
