Village Green

“… when you pedestrianise even part of a high street, you increase the possibilities that the area has, and you just make it more pleasant for everybody all around.” – South Woodford resident

George Lane and the Shrubberies flank a public green which gives the town centre a unique and intimate feel. However, the green is disconnected from the high street shops by northbound traffic and on-street parking on George Lane. The monthly market held on Sundays is proving popular here, and several businesses already have outdoor seating terraces.

This area could be improved to address local priorities by:

• Creating a greener environment, with more trees, nature and open space.
• Shaping high-quality, accessible public space which create opportunities for social interaction and community events.
• Reducing the impact of car traffic on the town centre.

Improvements and new development in this area could:

• 6.1 Movement: Re-route all vehicle traffic and buses in the core of the town centre from George Lane to the Shrubberies.
• 6.2 Movement: Provide new, high-quality, safe cycling infrastructure.
• 6.3 Nature: Extend the public green into George Lane and reconnect with green space at the centre of the gyratory.
• 6.4 Public Space: Extend pavements along George Lane to create a generous setting for the market and forecourts for café/restaurant seating.
• 6.5 Public Space: Provide seating and “play-on-the-way” furniture to the expanded green space.
• 6.6 Uses: Provide an informal performance space to the new public realm.