Bromley-by-Bow Connectivity and Placemaking Study

An urban study focussed on improved connectivity and placemaking in a fast evolving part of East London

New Practice were appointed as public engagement consultants to support the development of a connectivity and placemaking study on behalf of London Legacy Development Corporation.

Bromley-by-Bow is a neighbourhood undergoing significant change as new residents move into the area. The project site sits across the A12 and sought to explore ways to better connect the long-standing community to the west and new residential development to the east.

We supported Urban Movement in the delivery of two diverse phases of engagement: The first phase of community engagement was intended to ensure that the proposed future changes to the public realm in this part of Bromley-by-Bow are relevant, necessary and meaningful to the people who live, work and travel through the area. Accordingly, the activities were designed to introduce and publicise the project and to allow local people to help scope and steer the direction of the subsequent design work. The activities enabled the design team to gain an insight into the nature of the neighbourhood through unique first-hand experiences from people with local knowledge. Through a digital survey, on-site pop-up events, and communications, we uncovered a range of key challenges and aspirations, ranging from personal safety concerns along key routes, a lack of coherent public realm, and a desire for an improved experience along the banks of the River Lea. 

A second phase focused on presenting emerging concepts to local people and exploring them in more granular detail. We delivered in-person workshops within Bromley-by-Bow Centre, one as an open public session for local residents and other stakeholders, and another with some of the Centre’s regular workshop attendees. These sessions provided valuable opportunities to explore drawings and other design materials in close detail, and provided a number of insights to help refine the project team's approach. 

The area will undergo both physical and administrative change in the coming years, as the land moves into the stewardship of Tower Hamlets Council. This placemaking and connectivity study will help to ensure that continuity exists between the needs and aspirations of local people and future development opportunities.