Erith Riverside Gardens are unique to the borough of Bexley as one of its most significant green spaces located directly next to the River Thames. Having successfully secured funding from the Mayor Of London’s Good Growth Fund, the London Borough of Bexley Council commissioned Erect Architecture to transform the gardens to reconnect visitors to the river, offer new opportunities for play and improve accessibility for all to enjoy this important green space in the heart of Erith. 

Overcoming the severance of views and access to the River Thames caused by the Flood Wall defences which run along much of the perimeter of the Gardens is an important design challenge. To address this, we are proposing to create an ‘upper promenade’ running parallel to the river, which would connect back to Erith High Street and the Thames Path with accessible links. New opportunities for play and fitness will be incorporated throughout the gardens, with outdoor gym features located along the promenade and a new playground inspired by the sites rich industrial history, located in the west. 

A number of city-wide and national walking and cycle routes are located next to the Gardens, including National Cycle Route One, which spans from Dover to the Shetland Islands. To the southeast there is also a publicly accessible launch point for boats using the River Thames. Celebrating these active uses alongside the riverfront is central to the proposals to improve gardens and transform them into a destination for local users and visitors alike.

Features located on the threshold between the Gardens and the Thames path are proposed to give the opportunity for play, rest and to spend time in proximity to the river. New greenery including trees and planting will be introduced throughout as part of the improvements to the landscape and to further enhance the existing biodiversity of the site.

The project received planning approval in February 2022 and works, currently underway are expected to be completed towards the end of 2024 / early 2025.

Work at Erith Riverside Gardens is in full swing and we are really excited to see the improvements to the gardens come into fruition