SuDS in London - a guide

2.8 Retrofitting
Many of the potential SuDS opportunities
in London are retrofits, ie, installing the
components into the existing streetscape
and public realm. Depending on the
available space and prevailing condition,
existing streetscapes can be adapted or
retrofitted with a variety of interventions,
improving the quality of the public realm
where possible.
When retrofitting SuDS, it is important to
consider how the space will be used. If
wheeled goods handling, for example, is
expected, the design will need to address
this in terms of smoothness, access and
potential obstruction.
The following may offer opportunities to
retrofit SuDS:
• During annual road maintenance works
• Integrated as part of development,
redevelopment or regeneration
• As part of investment in the
public transport network,
such as station forecourts
• Improving London’s cycle route
infrastructure, eg, Mini-Hollands.
• As community initiatives,
addressing private households,
including front gardens
The opportunities – which will be
determined above and below ground
– and constraints are illustrated in
Chapter 4. Retrofit initiatives, such as
Twenty 4 Twenty, Greenstreets, SuDS for
Schools and Life+ Climate Proofing for
Housing Landscapes, offer partnership
opportunities to design and deliver SuDS.
• During road reconstruction
or resurfacing
• As part of road drainage improvements
Road closure, permeable surfacing and tree
planting in Waltham Forest Mini-Holland
• As part of planned road modernisation
24 2 The London context