A long-disused 1950s fountain in Victoria Embankment Gardens has been fully restored by Westminster City Council, reviving a landmark with roots stretching back to the 17th century.

Located at the end of Villiers Street, the octagonal fountain, surrounded by a historic bandstand, had not been operational for more than 20 years. Originally built in the early to mid-1950s, the fountain was inspired by a 1670s water tower and pumping station that once stood nearby. That structure, erected in 1675–76, supplied water pressure to homes along the Strand using a weight-driven mechanism and once loomed over London at more than 70 feet tall.


The surrounding bandstand, dating back to the 1870s, was once a cultural hub that hosted lunchtime concerts for local printworks employees.

The £85,000 restoration project, led by Westminster City Council, included preserving the fountain’s original teak features while modernising its systems. The sprinkler and water treatment mechanisms were fully replaced to meet current health and safety standards, and energy-efficient LED lighting was installed on each tier. The lights can now be programmed for seasonal and special events, breathing new life into a historic public space.