Discover Tideway:
London’s greatest
21st century
infrastructure
project
Join Open City and special guests from Tideway for a late afternoon Thames tour exploring the extraordinary design story of Tideway – London’s new £5 billion ‘super sewer’
Departing from Crown Pier close to Blackfriars Bridge, the tour will see Benedict O'Looney — Open City’s specialist Architecture on the Thames guide — share the microphone with Tideway’s Clare Donnelly (architect and legacy design advisor), James Smith (programme director), Jordan Newell (head of stakeholder and public affairs) and Tideway’s public art consultant Bridget Sawyers.
Together these speakers have played a leading role in the design and creation of a series of landmark new waterfront parks at key locations throughout central London connected to the construction of the Thames Tideway tunnel.
Tideway is a major investment in upgrading London’s wastewater infrastructure for the 21st century; offering an exciting opportunity to enhance the appearance, identity and experience of one of the world's greatest cities through the creation of a series of new public spaces along the Thames.
This unique riverside tour will offer a fresh perspective on London’s emerging and established skyline and will be led by our specialist guide Benedict O'Looney. Benedict's in-depth knowledge – founded on his work as a practicing architect based in Peckham and a teacher at the prestigious Architectural Association – guarantees deep insight and thoughtful commentary.
Along the way our guest speakers will share the inspiration behind the designs for the eight new landmark public realm spaces that will be created as part of the project as well as the enormous civil engineering undertaking, and the multi-disciplinary collaborative efforts behind Tideway’s success.
Key information
Depart/Return: Crown Pier, Victoria Embankment EC4Y 0HJ
Duration: 2.45 hours approx
Cost: £35.50 / £34.50 / £19.50
Restrictions: Regretfully no under-7s, no dogs
This boat tour has limited capacity. Seating will be available both inside and outside. Please select your preferred option when purchasing your ticket below. The outside seating area is not covered in the event of rain so please dress appropriately for the weather. Drinks and light snacks are available for purchase at the bar on board.
Tickets are non refundable and our tours go ahead rain or shine…
We aim to be inclusive and accessible where possible, please contact Adrianna at tours@open-city.org.uk to discuss your needs, reduced ticket prices and if you require a free carer ticket or have any additional queries.
Enter code GROUP-BOAT at the shop page checkout for 15% discount on purchase of 3 standard or concession single boat tour tickets or more
Meet the tour guide…
Benedict O’Looney was a project architect with Grimshaw Architects and Alsop Architects prior to setting up his own studio Benedict O’Looney Architects in 2005 . Graduating from the Yale School of Architecture in 1992, Benedict has taught architecture history and building technology at the Architectural Association, The University of Kent, the Canterbury School of Architecture, and New York University.
Benedict is the chair of Southwark’s Conservation Areas Advisory Group which advises Southwark Council on planning applications in conservation areas and involving listed buildings. Benedict O’Looney is also on the Victorian Society Southern Buildings Committee, the Committee of the Peckham Society and is a past President of the London Sketch Club.