Rebuilding a 130-year-old flood defence in one of London's most constrained construction sites
Rebuilding resilience in a tight space
Some projects are defined by their size.
Others are defined by their constraints.
At Swan Draw Dock in Fulham, we are rebuilding a 130-year-old flood defence structure along the River Thames.
Once complete, the scheme will help protect around 1,400 homes and businesses from tidal flooding.
Appointed by the Environment Agency through the SCAPE Civil Engineering framework, the project presents a unique challenge.
Located within an active tidal dock surrounded by residential and commercial properties, the construction site, project office and welfare and wellbeing facilities are spread across separate locations, requiring careful planning and coordination of people, plant and materials.
Working within a site footprint of just 600m², with some areas narrowing to 5.2 metres wide, the challenge is renewing the flood defence within an exceptionally restricted space while keeping work moving safely and efficiently.
Turning constraints into innovation
Working within such a restricted footprint has challenged us to think differently about how materials and resources are used.
Fifty-six Legato blocks were transferred from another Environment Agency project and repurposed to support the dock wall during construction, avoiding the need for new materials while helping stabilise the structure and protect the workforce.
That circular approach extended beyond the Legato blocks, with other materials reused where possible and electric piling rigs helping reduce environmental impact.
flood defence structure being renewed
social value delivered as of July 2026
women represented across the project team
Digital tools have supported the same approach. QFlow has improved material tracking, compliance and reporting, giving us greater visibility of resources and helping identify further sustainability opportunities.
Rather than allowing the site's constraints to limit delivery, we have used them to challenge established ways of working.
Inspiring the next generation
Creating a more resilient flood defence is only part of the story.
As of July 2026, we delivered more than £2.2 million in social value, creating opportunities for local people and supporting organisations across the surrounding community.
With around 1,000 students having engaged with the project through school visits, STEM activities and site tours, we’re helping young people learn about flood resilience and the wide range of careers involved in delivering critical infrastructure. We've also supported work experience and early careers opportunities, including a former work experience student who has since started an apprenticeship.
Our people have contributed more than 900 volunteering hours, including refurbishment works at All Saints Church Hall, supporting Hammersmith and Fulham Foodbank, and work with other local organisations including Bee Urban, Swanbank Court Care Home and Little Masters.
With women representing more than 50% of the project workforce across engineering, commercial and support roles, the project team reflects a changing industry and the range of opportunities within it.
Setting a high standard
The Swan Draw Dock project has been recognised with an Outstanding rating from the Considerate Constructors Scheme, achieving an overall score of 97%.
This included 98% for Community Engagement and 97% for Environmental Management – recognising the standards being maintained while delivering complex infrastructure in a highly constrained location.
What changed
- Long-term flood resilience strengthened along the River Thames
- Around 1,400 homes and businesses safeguarded from tidal flooding
- 50-year design life helping protect communities for decades to come
- 56 Legato blocks reused from another Environment Agency project
- Digital tools improving material tracking, compliance and reporting
- Electric plant and resource-efficient construction methods helping reduce environmental impact
- More than £2.2 million in social value delivered as of 30 July 2026
- Around 1,000 students engaged through education and STEM activities
- More than 900 volunteering hours contributed by the project team
- More than 50% female representation across the project team