Crossness Pumping Station reopens following restoration works

It prompted emergency removal works and restrictions to those looking to visit the jewel of Thamesmead.

This setback had come during a period of crucial restoration works after the trust had secured much-needed funding worth more than £1.5 million from the Heritage Lottery fund, putting the conservationists into quite a difficult position and left scratching their heads in the search for a further £400,000 for the asbestos removal works.

However, following charitable donations from both Thames Water and Cory Riverside Energy the trust has completed the vital removal and restorations - marking the occasion with a special relaunch event.

Those interested in kneeling before the Great Stench which emanates from the 'cathedral of the marsh' were invited along to marvel at the engineering wonders which are the steam engines devised by one of London's historic engineering geniuses, and saviour of the city to some, Sir Joseph Bazalgette.

Bazalgette, born during the 19th century, designed the Crossness Pumping Station to help alleviate the capital's sewage problem. The system also brought an end to the cholera epidemics that periodically ravaged the population.

Along with the stunning architectural display inside the Beam Engine House, guests were also invited to the official naming ceremony of a new narrow-gauge railway locomotive which has taken up residence next to the station.

'Bazalgette', formerly known as 'Busy Basil', had began as a volunteer project undertaken by loco-enthusiasts within the Crossness Engines Trust with the aim of connecting the main buildings to the new off-site car park, heightening the experience for interested tourists.

On hand to cut the ribbon and christen the train's first official voyage was members of the Bazalgette lineage, who have since played a pivotal role in maintaining the cultural significance of Crossness as the hidden gem of south London.

While having a go of one of the main steam-powered beam engines within the main building, mayor of Bexley, Cllr Brian Bishop expressed his delight at the reopening of the pumping station and hopes it will become a popular tourist attraction for the borough.

"It's magnificent. What a splendid engine.

"When you come into a place like this, for me, it's not about the here and now. I always look back to when this place was vibrant.

"It's wonderful that they've been able to restore this an long may it carry on and be a really great tourist attraction for Bexley," he said.

Historic England’s regional director for London and the south east, Emily Gee said: "“We are delighted that the Grade I listed Crossness Pumping Station in London’s Abbey Wood is open to the public once again, marking the 200th anniversary of the birth of Sir Joseph Bazalgette, the Victorian engineering mastermind and public health visionary who designed London’s sewerage system in the mid-19th century.

"The new underground system helped to save the capital’s inhabitants from further cholera epidemics and other diseases.

"It’s a splendid architectural presence that reminds us of the important tradition of high quality engineering."

The Crossness Pumping Station is now open to the public, but you want to carry some air freshener on the day!