Making Places | makingplaces.co.uk

TRANSFORMING UNLOVED SPACES: SITE INFORMATION

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CONTENTS

SITE BRIEFS

Bulwer Road, Leytonstone ward, page 3

Hyh House, Chapel End ward, page 7

Larkshall Road Underpass, Larkswood ward, page 11

Leyton Midland Road Station, Leyton ward, page 15

Wood Street Station, Wood Street ward, page 19

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TRANSFORMING UNLOVED SPACES: SITE BRIEF BULWER ROAD

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BULWER ROAD, LEYTONSTONE WARD, E11 1BX

DESCRIPTION OF SITE A triangular traffic island (approximately 50 sq m) at the junction of three residential streets - Bulwer Road, Drayton Road and Southwest Road - in Leytonstone. The island is partially intersected by a road that gives access to the driveways of nos. 87-91 on the south side of Bulwer Road. It is a bland, tarmacked space whose prominent features include a BT telephone box, a Royal Mail pillar box, salt bin and lamp post.

WHY THIS SITE?

Half a kilometre from Leytonstone underground and bus stations, this site is passed frequently by local residents, and those from the wider area, on their way to the transport hub. Formerly a wide road junction, the island was reclaimed as pedestrian space ten years ago. However more could be done to enhance the pedestrian experience here.

Whilst it is surrounded on all sides by period housing and elegant street trees, the area is actually among the most deprived in Leytonstone, with the majority of properties privately rented and heavily sub-divided. Given this context, renovating this small urban site could create a positive improvement at the heart of a residential community and improve the lives of many local residents.

SUGGESTIONS FOR APPROACHES

The removal and relocation of the BT Telephone Box is an integral part of this brief. The current location of the phone booth limits the scope of any creative intervention at this site. Moreover, the telephone appears to be little used and residents have reported anti-social behaviour in and around the telephone box.

The site itself is grey and heavily tarmacked; few would know that Phillibrook stream, which gives its name to Fillebrook Road, runs underground through this area flowing south west. Potential themes could include a nod to the once forgotten stream that lies beneath. For example, a paving design linked to the location of the stream below or the creation of a sunken ‘rain garden’, both of which could also bring colour, texture and environmental benefits to the site.

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The installation of lighting, or the treatment of the hard landscaping with a lighter material such as bound resin or paving, could be used to brighten the appearance of the site and make it more attractive, but may be cost prohibitive.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The Council is in dialogue with BT regarding the removal and relocation of the phone box. The cost of relocation has been estimated at £10k. Any artist, architect or designer proposing a project for this site, should be willing to include these costs within their budget.

It is particularly important, in this residential area, that the Making Places project is informed by an understanding of the local community and finds ways to engage local residents in the design process as end-users. All materials and power arrangements, if required, will be subject to approval by Highways and work may need to be carried out by Highways contractors. Any proposal for lighting should consider the cost of installing a feeder pillar, underground cabling and light supports. Whilst power could potentially be drawn from the lighting column to the north of the site, this would depend entirely on the nature of the proposal. Proposals that seeks to alter the layout, height or material of the pavement or access road would need to preserve vehicle access to property frontages , clearly delineate pedestrian areas to ensure safety and indicate parking restrictions.

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TRANSFORMING UNLOVED SPACES: SITE BRIEF HYH HOUSE, CHINGFORD ROAD

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HYH HOUSE, CHINGFORD ROAD, E17 5AR, CHAPEL END WARD

DESCRIPTION OF SITE

This Making Places site is the gardens between Hyh House, on Chingford Road in Walthamstow, and the public highway. This green space is made up of four lawns, ranging in size from 60 to 90 square metres, which are slightly elevated from the pavement. Several mature and semi-mature trees break up the grass and help suggest a boundary to the area which is otherwise open and visible to passers-by.

WHY THIS SITE?

Hyh House is a council-owned housing property. It is located on the busy Chingford Road, which leads from the North Circular to Bell Corner, and is a significant route into the borough.

This part of Chingford Road, which includes a William Hill betting shop and the Dog & Duck pub, has been described by residents as ‘unloved, dirty, polluted and noisy’.

The green space outside Hyh House has the potential to be improved for the benefits of both residents and passers-by to create an amenable, attractive green space that detracts from, and provides respite from the busy road.

SUGGESTIONS FOR APPROACHES A creative intervention is needed to help make this space more usable to residents and, in turn, improve the identity and character of the local area.

The scheme should include in-depth community consultation with residents of Hyh House and would ideally include resident participation in co-designing the space. The process should help strengthen the resident community and sow the seeds for ongoing ownership and use.

Creative approaches to making physical improvements could include landscaping, additional planting and lighting. We are particularly keen to see any proposal help positively address environmental and wellbeing issues associated with living next to a busy road. The privacy and security of residential properties nearby would need to be well considered.

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Residents of Hyh House are a mix of council housing tenants, private renters and private home owners. There is no formal Tenants & Residents Association in place. Any artist, architect or designer proposing a project for this site will need a demonstrable track record in working collaboratively with communities.

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TRANSFORMING UNLOVED SPACES: SITE BRIEF LARKSHALL ROAD UNDERPASS

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LARKSHALL ROAD UNDERPASS, E4 6LP, LARKSWOODWARD

DESCRIPTION OF SITE This pedestrian underpass connects two parts of Hatch Lane divided by the railway line that runs between Chingford and Highams Park. The western entrance, from Larkshall Road, is easily missed, lying between Russets Close and an MOT Garage. The eastern entrance is next to a small parade of shops (home to a post office and nursery) and a residential care home. There are two primary schools in the nearby area.

The site for Making Places incorporates the underpass itself, the walkways leading up to it and the adjacent planting areas. The underpass is 10m long and, with the walkway on either side, has a combined length of approximately 140m.

WHY THIS SITE?

The underpass is an important route that enables pedestrians to by-pass the roundabout as they walk between local centres in Highams Park, Chingford Mount, Friday Hill and North Chingford.

Families with young children attending the pre-school at St Anne’s Church, the nursery on Hatch Lane and Longshaw Primary School as well elderly and disabled residents are key users.

The site was nominated for Making Places as it is viewed by residents in Larkswood and Hatch Lane wards as run down, neglected and uninspiring. The area feels ‘forgotten’ and consequently, residents feel vulnerable using it, particularly at night.

SUGGESTIONS FOR APPROACHES

This site needs a considered intervention that reinvigorates the area and makes the user experience more pleasant. Approaches could include: an applied artwork or artistic treatment of the walls and surfaces, handrail and wall coping. Artistic enhancement of the interior underpass lighting would be welcome and would help to make the area feel safer at night. Improvements to the existing planting and groundwork would also be welcomed.

Proposal for this location should respond to and engage with the communities that use it. In addition, interventions should be hardwearing, resistant to graffiti and easy to clean. The underpass is a known tagging hot spot so any proposed artwork needs to take this into consideration.

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The central area of the underpass, beneath the railway line, is an asset belonging to Network Rail. Artwork for the walls and ceiling of the underpass has been approved, in principle, by Network Rail, under the terms of a community license. Replacement of the handrails above the subway would require access to the track and may incur additional cost.

A detailed examination of the subway is not due until 2024, however, the following conditions may still apply:

• Nothing to be attached to the asset that would hinder inspection or maintenance

• Any installations adjacent to the asset must not restrict access for inspection or maintenance

• No flammable materials to be used

• Fixings used to attach the artwork must be deemed suitable for the weight

• Potential for graffiti and vandalism being taken into consideration.

• All materials used to conform to relevant standards

Making Places will manage the approvals process required to deliver the artwork in partnership with Network Rail.

Any new lighting would need to be powered via the existing supply to the LED lights inside the underpass.

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TRANSFORMING UNLOVED SPACES: SITE BRIEF LEYTON MIDLAND ROAD STATION

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LEYTON MIDLAND ROAD STATION, E10 6JT, LEYTON WARD

DESCRIPTION OF SITE This Making Places project aims to improve the pedestrian experience underneath the railway bridge, next to Leyton Midland Road Station, and increase the placemaking potential of this bridge as it crosses High Road Leyton. Specific areas for intervention include the underside of the railway bridge and the supporting columns and abutment walls.

WHY THIS SITE?

Leyton Midland Road is a London Overground station on the Gospel Oak to Barking line. It serves as an important local transport node into Leyton and Walthamstow, giving access to the Victoria Line, the Hammersmith & City and District lines.

This part of the High Road is a well-used pedestrian and vehicle thoroughfare but it does not have the concentration or mix of shops found further south, toward Leyton Underground station where investment in shop front improvements has lifted the area’s appearance.

The station itself has been revamped in recent years, and is well maintained, but the area beneath the bridge is perceived by some residents as unsafe and tatty. Cars are parked on the paving in front of the west abutment wall which, combined with restrictive lighting, impacts on perceptions of safety.

Developments nearby include Leyton Cricket Hub, and the forthcoming Real Food Hub at Leyton Sports Ground as well as a series of potential development sites that front the High Road from Bakers Arms to Leyton

The Council is also working closely with Network Rail’s commercial property team to identify and implement improvements to railway arches in the vicinity, with recent investment to one of the arches on Midland Road closest to the station’s entrance.

It should also be noted that TfL has applied for funding from Department for Transport to deliver step free access improvements (accessible lifts) at the station. If the bid is successful, delivery could be possible within the next five years. There should not be a direct impact, but the proposals for the Making Places project will be reviewed to ensure they do not affect the position of any infrastructure for the potential delivery of these

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improvements. SUGGESTIONS FOR APPROACHES

The scale of the bridge and the pedestrian area beneath it, particularly on the east side, offer considerable opportunity for a high impact, creative intervention which helps to create a sense of place and provides a positive welcome to the area.

An approach centered around an artwork on the large brick wall on the eastern side of the bridge near the entrance to the station would be effective at this site with perhaps additional lighting helping to improve perceptions of safety and adding to the creation of a better ambience.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The bridge and the abutment walls are assets belonging to Network Rail. Artwork has been approved, in principle, under the terms of a community license for the walls and lights could be mounted on the supporting columns. Painting the parapet would likely incur the cost of a temporary line closure and traffic suspensions so is outside the scope of this brief.

The paving in front of the abutment walls is leased to Network Rail tenants so cannot be incorporated in the Making Places proposal. The height of vehicles parked here should also be considered as constraints when proposing artworks for the abutment walls.

A detailed examination of the bridge is not due until 2024, however, it is likely that the following conditions will apply:

• Nothing to be attached to the asset that would hinder inspection or maintenance (if appropriate, four edges around any artwork with fixtures to be visible; in the case of artwork attached to the wall, it would need to be removable for a detailed examination in 2024).

• Any installations adjacent to the asset must not restrict access for inspection or maintenance

• No flammable materials to be used

• Fixings used to attach the artwork must be deemed suitable for the weight

• All materials used to conform to relevant standards

• Potential for graffiti and vandalism being taken into consideration.

• Any loads above 100kg will require an impact assessment

Making Places will manage the approvals process required to deliver the artwork in partnership with Network Rail.

Power for lighting will likely be drawn from the public highway. Any proposal incorporating lighting should budget for the cost of installing feeder pillars and underground cabling, which could be considerable. Proposals should avoid any disruption to station or track operation or any commercial leases at the station.

Any artist, architect or designer proposing a project for this site will need a demonstrable track record in working collaboratively on public realm projects, perhaps also in the context of mural making and/or working with lighting and be able to provide evidence of comparable delivered work.

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TRANSFORMING UNLOVED SPACES: SITE BRIEF WOOD STREET STATION

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WOOD STREET STATION, E17 3LX, WOOD STREET WARD

DESCRIPTION OF SITE

This Making Places project aims to improve the pedestrian area underneath the railway bridge, next to Wood Street Station, and increase the potential of this bridge to become a local landmark as it crosses Wood Street. The focus for the intervention will be the abutment and wing walls, although the underside of the bridge could also be improved through lighting.

The span of the bridge, across Wood Street is 11m. The width of the bridge is 10m.

WHY THIS SITE?

Wood Street Station is a London Overground station on the Liverpool Street to Chingford line. The station has high footfall and provides an important gateway into the main shopping street. It is also close to the centre of the ward.

Wood Street is a distinct centre with its own unique character. The shopping street includes many independent retailers, food and drink businesses and a growing arts and crafts scene, which includes the recently opened Wood Street Studios.

The bridge and station are also the gateway to a significant area of development and change with the Council working in partnership with Countryside Homes to deliver the regeneration of the Marlowe Road estate to the north of the station, with new homes, shops, community facilities and public space. A number of other development sites have been identified or have received planning permission, on both sides of the station, and will come forward in the next few years.

The area near the bridge has felt neglected for some time and although the station has recently been renovated, the area under the bridge is perceived by some residents as ‘unpleasant to walk past’, ‘depressing and unwelcoming’.

The station site has the potential to provide a much more welcoming and impactful arrival experience for residents and visitors to the area.

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SUGGESTIONS FOR APPROACHES

The main opportunity is for an artwork to be applied to the abutment and/ or wing walls to brighten the dark space beneath the bridge and enhance its identity. Nothing can be applied to the bridge itself but lighting could potentially be used to improve the ambience of the tunnel after dark, and make the wrought iron superstructure more visible.

A secondary approach may be to build on the success of local, community-led ‘greening initiatives’ and/ or to highlight the proximity to Epping Forest.

Any scheme at this site should approach the space holistically and any work should represent a cleaning up and improvement of the site, making it more pleasant for residents to walk through.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The bridge and the abutment and wing walls are Network Rail assets. Artwork has been approved in principle, under the terms of a community license, for the walls. Lighting could be mounted on new lighting columns though the placement of these would need careful consideration.

• Nothing to be attached to the asset that would hinder inspection or maintenance (four edges around any applied artwork to be visible; artwork would need to be easy to remove for a detailed examination in 2023, if not before).

• Any installations adjacent the asset must not restrict access for inspection or maintenance

• No flammable materials to be used

• Fixings used to attach the artwork must be deemed suitable for the weight

• All materials used to conform to relevant standards

• Potential for graffiti and vandalism being taken into consideration.

• Any loads above 100kg will require an impact assessment

Making Places will manage the approvals process required to deliver the artwork in partnership with Network Rail.

Power for lighting will likely be drawn from the public highway. Any proposal incorporating lighting should budget for the cost of installing feeder pillars, underground cabling and supporting columns, which could be considerable.

Proposals should avoid any disruption to station or track operation or any commercial leases at the station.

If installation of the proposal requires closure of the footpath the cost of a Highways licence and appropriate barriers, signs, etc. should be factored into the budget.

Any artist, architect or designer proposing a project for this site will need a demonstrable track record in working collaboratively on public realm projects, perhaps in the context of mural making and/or working with lighting and be able to provide evidence of comparable delivered work.