Kent County Council (KCC) has been working with Southern Water and Canterbury City Council to transform the outdoor area at Whitstable Library in Oxford Street to include a Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS).
The planters are designed to slow the flow of rainwater into the sewer system – making it less likely that volumes will overload the network and lead to storm overflows that prevent flooding of communities.
How the library's garden looked before the transformation
The upgrades to the previously disused back garden area were part of phase one of the project. Phase two, which involves putting in another SuDS at the front of the building, is likely to start early next year.
“By integrating this new system into Whitstable Library, we’re not only protecting our local rivers and seas, but also increasing the role the library building itself plays in the community.”
Paul Webb, KCC’s Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services, said: “This is a fantastic example of how our community spaces can lead the way in innovation when working alongside commercial partners like Southern Water.
"By integrating this new system into Whitstable Library, we’re not only protecting our local rivers and seas, but also increasing the role the library building itself plays in the community. It demonstrates how libraries can be hubs for learning, information and sustainability.
"This project reflects our commitment to building resilient, forward-thinking communities across Kent.”
How the library's garden looks now it has new planters
Sustainable drainage is a key part of Southern Water’s larger £1.5bn Clean Rivers and Seas Plan to drastically cut these releases across the region.
Southern Water’s Clean Rivers and Seas Task Force pathfinder project manager, Jerome Corcoran said: “This is a brilliant example of how small changes can make a big difference. By giving Whitstable Library a green upgrade, we’re helping protect local rivers and seas whilst also enhancing the public space and giving back to the community.”
