Kilburn in northwest London resides by a river delta formed by the Westbourne River, flowing out of Hampstead Heath. From the 19th century onwards, the river was heavily polluted by the toilet revolution and high levels of pollution from industrial production. It became an essential north - south sewer in the Joseph Bazalgette scheme and converted into an underground pipe system. However, extreme rainfall due to climate change can lead to the city's surface being flooded during the summer months. Therefore combined sewer systems are no longer able to handle sewage and rainwater during storms, leading to pollution and the waste of natural water resources.

This project will benefit from separate sewer systems. The strain on stormwater pipes from Kilburn Grange Park to Kilburn Park Road will be reduced - rapid drainage during the rainy season will be provided by a flood channel that doubles as a recreational area for residents, providing economic opportunity for Kilburn High Road. Flood ponds and pocket gardens are proposed to connect to the river and improve storm water treatment, also dealing with extreme weather events while improving the living environment.