Richmond wins national award for pioneering flood-resilient street

Richmond Council has won national recognition for its role in the pioneering Community BlueScapes project, which delivered an innovative new flood-resilient street in the borough.

At the 2025 Highways Awards last night, the Kitson Road scheme scooped the Steve Berry Highways Authority Innovation Award and was a finalist for the Environmental Sustainability Award, while the Teddington Lock Footbridges refurbishment was also celebrated as a finalist in the prestigious Bridge Project of the Year Award category.
 
Councillor Julia Neden-Watts, Chair of Richmond Council’s Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee, said: "The borough’s first fully permeable road demonstrates our commitment to sustainable water management and climate resilience.
 
"Kitson Road shows that we can reimagine our streets to protect homes from flooding, while creating attractive, functional places for residents. I’m delighted this innovative project has been recognised on a national stage."

Kitson Road: an innovative new flood-resilient street in Richmond

The Kitson Road project, delivered by Community BlueScapes – a Defra-funded partnership between Richmond Council, Barnes Common Ltd and WWT – is the first fully permeable public road in the borough. By using permeable paving, permeable asphalt and Hydrorock™, the street absorbs rainfall, reduces surface water flooding and filters out pollutants – helping to protect 25 local homes from flooding.

The design also incorporates innovative EV charging gullies, enabling residents to charge their cars without paving over front gardens, protecting valuable green space and supporting sustainable transport.

Teddington Lock Footbridges: keeping communities connected

Also recognised at the awards was the Council's three-phase refurbishment of the iconic Teddington Lock Footbridges, shortlisted for Bridge Project of the Year. With more than 7,000 daily crossings, the works have ensured the bridges are safer, stronger and fit for the future.

Councillor Alexander Ehmann, Chair of Richmond Council's Transport and Air Quality Committee, said: "The Teddington Lock footbridges are a vital link for thousands every day – and this award highlights our commitment to investing in infrastructure that keeps our communities connected for the long term."