Design process

The project was initiated by the London Borough of Waltham Forest as part of their 'New Opportunities for Walthamstow' (NOW) Single Regeneration Budget (SRB) programme, established in 1999. NOW is a regeneration programme that will eventually see £14m of government funds and £42m of private and public funding spent between 1999 and 2006. In 2001 an international design competition was launched with initial expressions of interest sought through sought through OJUE advertisement. Eight designers were short listed and invited to respond to a detailed brief setting at the team's experience and approach. Three practices were then selected and invited to submit a fee proposal and participate in a design competition. An on site public exhibition of competition submissions was held in May 2002 where the local community were given the chance to see the proposals, meet and question the designers, and express their preferences.

Following a limited competition which involved the views of local people through an on site exhibition in May 2002, BDP were appointed in July 2002. The practice was commissioned to produce detailed design proposals with a brief to enhance and extend the existing Town Square and Gardens. This would be achieved by retaining and improving the existing features and through the introduction of new elements, to add interest and create an attractive space linking the railway station, new bus station and the town centre. The brief also called for proposals to rejuvenate the High Street with improved market trader facilities. The main aim was to create a stimulating and safe public space, that would encourage year-round activity and be accessible to all.

The design process lasted 9 months in which time the layout evolved as a series of activity areas within an overall, easily legible framework of pedestrian routes. Budgetary constraints meant that a number of elements within the original design were not implemented in the final scheme. These included proposals in the sensory garden to create raised beds for disabled users, a water feature, and a series of kiosks around the town square to help enliven the space and animate the blank shopping centre façade. The choice of materials was influenced by the budget, the need for durability and future maintenance. Consequently, the team chose to focus quality natural materials in key areas with concrete paving materials used elsewhere.

Regular meeting were held with council departments such as Greenspace and the access officer on the day to day use and management of the site; and with the arts and entertainment officers to ensure the performance space was designed to cater for the range of events envisaged. Other one-to-one meetings with key stakeholders and with the Market Manager plus regular attendance at the Town Centre Business Forum provided greater insight into the range of practical and commercial issues along the High Street. This led, for instance, to the street being designed to allow cafes and restaurants to spill out into the spaces vacated when market trading ceases. Provision for vehicular access during the evening and a new lighting scheme are designed to extend the use of the space well into the evening. The issues and aspirations of the community were also considered throughout the design and procurement stages through open public meetings.

The construction contract was awarded to Jackson Civil Engineering Limited following on OJEU notice and detailed review and selection process by the local authority. The works were tendered and implemented under one contract including the construction of the new bus station. BDP administered the total package which was completed in July 2004. A detailed management plan is currently being prepared by BDP, the guidelines of which were discussed with the local authority agencies during the consultation process. Additional locations are also being agreed to increase the number of benches, bins and cycle stands across the site.