Mar/Apr 2024

24
South Woodford Village Gazette
From ideas for pedestrianising parts of George Lane to new play areas
and green spaces, Pearl Arbenser-Simmonds reports on the local Design
Code recommendations, a blueprint for the future of South Woodford
In autumn 2023, we engaged with the
community to garner site-specific
insights to ensure the Design Code
remains relevant to the community and
rooted in South Woodford. These insights
have allowed us to build on previous work
to better understand what matters to
people locally. The insights will be used
to continue to shape the Design Code
vision, targets towards 2040 and coding
for development sites within the South
Woodford Neighbourhood Forum area.
The consultation took place via an online
community portal. Everyone with an interest
in South Woodford was invited to share
their views; those who live, learn, work in
or regularly visit the area. It focused on four
digital activities to gather views: an interactive
map, priority tool, ideas board and poll.
The portal was viewed 2,926 times, by 1,036
visitors, with 377 recorded insights (87% of
contributors live in South Woodford). The
interactive map, hosted via Social Pinpoint,
was the most used tool. The map was used
to capture, visualise and analyse place-based
feedback within the area by enabling the
community to show exactly where their ideas
or concerns relate.
The South Woodford Design Code, driven
and informed by community priorities, local
knowledge and expertise, has the potential
to be a shining example of a community-led
code. Much of the feedback focused on the
huge potential that exists within the area.
Here are some examples:
“Redevelopment of [Station Estate] between
George Lane and the Viaduct should include
publicly accessible and usable space –
perhaps including a community hub and
pocket park,” suggested one resident.
“The Viaduct adds absolutely nothing to South
Woodford. It’s just an elevated car park…
More people-friendly and green please!”
commented another.
Key recommendations:
• Develop a Design Code which inspires the
entire community to contribute.
• Plan for smaller scale development
(greening initiatives, local areas for play,
street trees and street furniture), which can
address some of the needs quickly.
• Invest in improving existing run-down
spaces, not just new development.
• Prepare a feasibility study for the
pedestrianisation of George Lane – a big
ambition which would transform the area.
• Utilise development sites Station Estate
and Station Car Park to help achieve the
ambitions of accessible green space, better
public space, centrally located play spaces
and improved walking and cycling routes.
To read the full report on the community
consultation, visit swvg.co.uk/future
To advertise, call 020 8819 0595 or visit swvg.co.uk