From Super Sewer to Super Spaces: How imaginative design can turn functional infrastructure into wonderful public realm

The Thames Tideway Tunnel is one of the UK’s most ambitious infrastructure projects - a 25km “super sewer” safeguarding London’s river for generations. Yet its legacy extends far beyond engineering. A unique collaboration between engineers, architects and artists has reimagined functional assets as vibrant public spaces, setting a benchmark for how infrastructure can enrich urban life. Attendees will gain insight into practical strategies for delivering imaginative design within complex, regulated projects - balancing cost, safety, and creativity. The session will highlight lessons transferable to other public sector estates: how to turn “hard” infrastructure into inclusive, inspiring environments that foster civic pride.