Ferry Lane public realm and sustainable drainage system project

Ferry Lane sits within a high-risk flood zone where, prior to the scheme, no SuDS features were installed to alleviate and attenuate the rainfall discharge back into the drainage system.

Views into the Paddock and across the reservoirs of the Lee Valley were restricted due to enclosures formed by palisade fences and vegetation that blocked sightlines, all adding to the feeling of discomfort when walking along the route.

Ferry Lane is the principal gateway access from Tottenham Hale to the Walthamstow Wetland Centre and there was a lack of a co-ordinated wayfinding strategy to aid visitors on the route to the Wetland Centre.

The redesign of the link introduced SuDS, bespoke architectural lighting columns, creation of segregated cycle lanes, footway and carriageway resurfacing, and bespoke metalwork incorporating themes from the Wetland Centre.

The scheme improved sightlines into the Paddock, opening up the frontage, and also included the installation of fencing and signage that aligned with the metal artwork and lighting columns.

The key SuDS features here are:

• two lengths of swale (open channel) along the Paddock frontage
• a new soakaway within the swale
• new planters on either side of Bream Close junction
• meadow-style planting