In June 2017, Waltham Forest residents nominated places in their local area that they wanted to see improved with a creative project. Councillors for each of the borough’s twenty wards then selected their preferred site for a Making Places commission.
The final five sites have now been confirmed and a second round of commissions started in spring 2020. Creative practitioners were invited to submit their proposals through an Open Call
Tarmacked traffic island at the junction of three residential streets. More could be done to enhance the pedestrian experience for residents here.
Leytonstone ward
The gardens at the front of Hyh House, a council-owned housing estate. They do little to serve residents or soften the busy road.
Chapel End ward
"The pedestrian underpass by St Anne’s Church which goes under the railway. I always feel vulnerable using it as it’s run down and forgotten and sometimes quiet."
Diane, resident
Larkswood ward.
Under the train bridge by Leyton Midland Road Overground Station.
“It's a real eye sore and with all the cars and the derelict garage it's become a place of general ugliness. It's not welcoming”.
Alex, resident
Leyton ward
Under the train bridge by Wood Street Overground Station.
"It always looks rather grim."
Celia, resident
Wood Street ward
The first Making Places sites were announced in August 2017. Creative practitioners submitted their ideas for how these spaces could be transformed, through an Open Call, and fifteen projects were subsequently commissioned. You can find out more on the Projects page.
"It's a really well used park - with lots of people coming to visit from the local area"
Dave, resident
Abbotts Park, Forest ward
"There are some lovely art deco buildings there and the crescent has the potential to become a real focal point for South Chingford."
Arnie, resident
Albert Crescent, Valley ward
"We want to brighten up the centre of the estate."
Stuart, resident
Aldriche Way, Hale End and Highams Park ward
"A focal point for a community that doesn't have much usable community space."
Phil, resident
Sunken garden in Attlee Terrace, Hoe Street ward
"This area has large beautiful trees, is adjacent to a popular and well-loved park, and runs along a very busy main road."
Flora, resident
Space near Stoneydown Park, High Street ward
"If such spaces could be reimagined and more inspiring it would be so refreshing for those who walk and live around this space."
Nazneen, resident
Junction of Brierley and Langthorne road, Cathall ward
"It looks run down and does nothing to enhance the area, whereas before it had a positive effect."
Kate, resident
102 Cann Hall Road, Cann Hall ward
"There's a lot of space and high footfall and it could be an amazing space, or at least a lot safer and more inviting."
Ayanna, resident
Greenleaf Road / Hoe Street junction, William Morris ward
"It would be nice to have a bit more of a pleasant focal point for the local community."
Celia, resident
Higham Hill Park, Higham Hill ward
"Currently this is grotty, under-utilised land…turn this into a lovely garden."
Danie, resident
Friendship Gardens, Lea Bridge Library, Lea Bridge ward.
"Could be an amazing facility."
Jillie, resident
Low Hall Sports Ground, Markhouse ward
"It would be great to cheer this area up with a mural and some colourful tree lights so it looks inviting."
Nicky, resident
Alleyway next to library, Chingford Green ward
"Ridgeway Park is a fantastic local park but one that is looking tired and in need of some TLC."
Lucie, resident
Ridgeway Park, Endlebury ward
"I have chosen this site as it is a beautiful place and would benefit with some improvements to make it feel more loved and beautiful."
Gordon, resident
Entrances to The Highams Park, Hatch Lane ward.
"Sorely neglected. Could be beautiful, no other parks in immediate area."
Kevin, resident
The Linear Park, Grove Green ward.