Understanding ground conditions can save time and money. Dr Kate Royse explains why geology still has a key role to play in the regeneration of the Thames Gateway

The 40-mile stretch of land along the River Thames that forms the Thames Gateway is the focus for the biggest building programme to be undertaken in the UK for over 50 years. The key areas for redevelopment have already been chosen, so one might reasonably ask, “Geology -why consider it now?” The answer is straightforward. For the most part the key development areas have been selected primarily on the basis of socio-economic factors. However, environmental issues – sustainable urban drainage, biodiversity, flood control and foundation conditions – remain important considerations, for which an understanding of the geology can be critical