George Lane Station Approach

“South Woodford needs a central focal point, rather than just being a place to pass through.” – South Woodford resident

The underground station is the first point of arrival for many coming into South Woodford. However, the underground lines also sever George Lane, with a pedestrian underpass providing the most direct link. The public realm here is dominated by vehicle infrastructure, with extensive on-street parking to the northwest of the rail lines and broad lanes approaching the Viaduct to the southeast. Buildings are typically a mixture of late Victorian and Edwardian shopping parades and contemporary developments, which follow a similar pattern and grain, typically with retail businesses at ground floor and a mix of residential and office uses at upper storeys. Re-development to the Station Car Park site, which is currently accessed via this stretch of George Lane, could reduce the requirement for vehicle traffic to pass through.

This area could be improved to address local priorities by:

Creating meaningful public space at the heart of the town centre.

• Reducing the dominance of vehicle traffic.
• Supporting opportunities for social interaction and community events.
• Creating a focal point on arrival in South Woodford by underground.

Improvements and new development in this area could:

• 7.1 Movement: Pedestrianise George Lane between the underground station and the junction with Marlborough Road.
• 7.2 Movement: Prioritise pedestrian traffic to the southeast of the underground station through a shared surface or raised table approach.
• 7.3 Movement: Provide dedicated spaces for disabled parking, pick-up and drop-off at the limits of pedestrianised zones.
• 7.4 Nature: Introduce new street trees along George Lane and planting to the public realm outside the underground station.
• 7.5 Identity: Use place signage and feature lighting to celebrate arrival into South Woodford and establish a visual link across the rail lines.
• 7.6 Public Space: Provide improved lighting to a newly pedestrianised public realm to create a safe, intimate feel.