Tideway, the company leading the construction of the £4.2bn Thames Tideway Tunnel–popularly known as the “super sewer” – has unveiled images of the new public spaces it will construct on the river's foreshore.

Following the example of Sir Joseph Bazalgette, who modernised London’s sewage system during the Victorian era and who built onto the river to create the Albert, Victoria, and Chelsea Embankments, Tideway will generate three acres of landscaped areas along the shoreline. Some of these sites, such as those built near King Edward Memorial Park, will be floodable at high tides, allowing Londoners to safely to dip their toes in a cleaner Thames. The tunnel is expected to reduce the amount of raw sewage in the river by 90 per cent.

Tideways designers will also be working with Historic England, Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA), and teams of local artists to devise artworks that will illustrate the river’s millennia-old history. According to Claire Donnelly, Tideway’s lead architect, the commissioned art will “explore multiple aspects of the Thames and reposition it as a cultural venue”.

Roger Bailey, Tideway’s Chief Technical Officer, said: “In keeping with Bazalgette’s legacy, the new public spaces will be designed to enhance the environment and provide a lasting legacy. Our ambition is to celebrate the River Thames as the heart of London.”

Construction on the new public realm is expected to begin in 2020.