jan kattein completes high street regeneration projects in london

jan kattein completes high street regeneration projects in london
photo © jan kattein architects
all images courtesy of jan kattein architects

jan kattein architects has completed five ‘high street regeneration’ programs for waltham forest council on south chingford, high road leyton, francis road, bakers arms and high road leytonstone. the work recognizes that the high street is the civic heart of the local community. they are a place where friends can meet, employees can work, and citizens can engage in different cultural activities. therefore, every avenue must represent the character of the society that surrounds it. in collaboration with residents, stakeholders, local authorities, private investors and traders, the project aims to strengthen the local identity of each site, celebrate it’s specifies, contradictions and idiosyncrasies. a design strategy that is well embedded in the community can act as a catalyst to encourage private sector investment, and will hopefully instill a sense of civic pride.

new public square and shopfronts at south chingford before and after
photo © jan kattein architects

the architecture of ‘south chingford’ is an eclectic mix of 19th century terraces, tudor revival, and 1950s urban tenement blocks. although both independent and franchises have a well cared-for appearance, an undercurrent of economic decline is starting to become manifest along the avenue. on the other hand, modest signs of self-initiated change are taking hold. a number of local companies have discovered that their survival is dependent on a distinct business model that sets them apart from the generic offer provided by chain stores and supermarkets. in response, the renovation creates a new public square surrounded by a crescent of re-modeled shops in an art deco building. this is meant to strengthen local retail and provide a civic hub for the neighborhood, ready to host christmas markets, antique fairs, or flower shows.

south chingford indiginous iron birds on albert crescent parapet
photo © jan kattein architects

the ability to accommodate change is at the heart of the transformation of ‘high road leyton.’ storefronts have been conceived to allow for easy rebranding with the anticipation that they may need to be repaired or upgraded by craftsmen of the city. this works at a number of scales in respect to the area’s history, serving its contemporary needs while allowing room for adaptation. in this sense, the improvement of the boulevard is a sustainable architecture that is specific to the needs of its occupants.

carnival cards on high street leyton
photo © jan kattein architects

billiard hall
photo © jan kattein architects

‘francis road’ is a neighborhood center located just east of ‘high road leyton.’ upon arrival, it was apparent that the retail outlets along the roadway had seen better days. vacancy rates were high, shopfronts and signage were in a poor state of repair, and illegal front and side extensions occupy some of the shop forecourts. the poor condition of displays and limited opening hours were evidence of low business viability. counteracting the decay, the designers have reconnected the high street with the surrounding society, raising its value as a civic space in the eyes of the public. shopfronts have been replaced, urban realm works have been initiated, signs have been repaired and urban lighting has been installed.

photo © jan kattein architects

the bakers arms intersection is a major crossroads between the town centers of walthamstow and leyton. as the area has fallen into disrepair, the former landmark of bakers arms pub and many of its neighboring buildings have been converted into betting shops, while a ramshackle shed dominates one corner of the intersection. alongside remodeling the junction to create a new public square, extensive shopfront, signage and façade works seek to revitalize the area’s image and local businesses. the existing shed housing street traders have been replaced with two compact, filigree market booths. at night, these act as lanterns, projecting the floral motifs of walthamstow native william morris across the surrounding pavements. during the day, the booths will unfold to provide fruit and vegetable displays. by framing an expanded and improved public realm with a bold new visual identity, the project aims to re-establish an attractive social environment at the heart of bakers arms.

public square at bakers arms before and after
photo © jan kattein architects

pak butcher at bakers arms
photo © jan kattein architects

high road leytonstone is victim to a scenario that’s common on british high streets. a cycle of low business viability leading to a lack of investment in retail is holding a tight grip around the high street. a number of catalyst interventions designed to inspire business confidence and encourage private sector investment are located in key positions along the high street. an urban fresco adjacent to alfred hitchcock’s birthplace celebrates the genius’ work. the acacia business centre is transformed into a green business incubator and hot-desking space and a virtual network will attract young entrepreneurs. a series of local businesses in strategic locations are receiving a make-over and panther house adjacent to the station is being restored into a proper piece of civic architecture.

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jan kattein completes high street regeneration projects in london

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