We Made That have led a team working with the London Borough of Waltham Forest on its regeneration programme for Blackhorse Lane in East London.
Our proposals sought to address issues of poor perception and functional operation of the existing industrial estates, respond to the area’s unique industrial heritage and support the diverse enterprises in the area.
The modest available budget and complex urban context led us to develop a dexterous series of proposals for the area. This accumulative and aggregated approach to public realm improvements has allowed us to deliver a characterful, tailored project that is both context-responsive and highly ambitious. Delivered elements of the project include both physical interventions and ‘soft’ enterprise support, ranging from improvements to industrial estate frontages and shops to co-ordinated wayfinding signage and a new civic clock.
The project received a New London Award in 2015 for contribution to London’s economy. The Panel awarded the Mayor’s Prize for the project’s ‘inventive and resourceful strategy that works with the strengths of the area - its businesses and its culture of craftsmanship - to create opportunities for new jobs and enterprise, alongside new housing. The project is a blueprint for how industry can play a productive role in future mixed-use development.’