Feix&Merlin secure public realm project to reinvigorate Waltham Forest

Peckham-based architecture practice and interior design studio Feix&Merlin have won the contract to transform a series of railway arches and public realm space from Waltham Forest council. The practice was selected through the Architecture and Urbanism (A+U) Framework, a panel of built environment specialists introduced by the Mayor of London in February 2023 to help diversify architecture and design in the city. Set to oversee the master planning and wider vision for the project, Feix&Merlin will work alongside community-focused social architects Extended Studio as well as the local council to breathe new life into Courtenay Place, in the new St James’ Quarter. New business, cultural and social uses are envisioned for the disused railway arches, the refurbishment of which will be led by Extended Studios and may include opening up the arches internally (pending structural surveys).

Wider plans for the public realm spaces include a ‘green link’ between St James Street station and Walthamstow High Street to the north of the site, as well as making the area surrounding Courtenay Place more pedestrian friendly. Further improvements include reviewing physical barriers and unwelcoming security fencing, removing overgrown shrubs and installing new lighting, signage, art projects and landscape design, all in hopes of creating a new ‘biodiverse and community-focused identity’ for the site. Following Walthamstow’s recognition as London Borough of Culture in 2019,  the project is part of a wider regeneration initiative for the area and has received funding from the government’s Levelling Up programme. 

Waltham Forest council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration Councillor, Ahsan Khan, said: “We are creating a thriving and welcoming cultural destination in the St James Quarter, and we are pleased that architects Feix&Merlin and Extended Studio can come with us on this journey to help us deliver our vision through the Levelling Up programme that will provide more green spaces and attract more visitors to the town centre, bringing an important boost for the local economy.”