Walthamstow Wetlands, London’s newest Urban Wetland is due to open in summer 2017 and is expected to attract approximately 250,000 visitors annually within 10 years. Coppermill Lane is one of the main access routes into Walthamstow Wetlands and the route plays a key part in enhancing the overall visitor experience. In 2018 supported by the feasibility study prepared by what if: project Coppermill Lane was awarded Liveable Neighbourhood Funding and works are scheduled to be implemented on site in 2019-2021.The Coppermill Lane Design Framework proposes a range of interventions that focus on the whole route from St. James Street Station to the new Wetlands entrance.

Key principles are to:

+ introduce light aspects of the Wetlands environment onto this key route

+ provide an attractive and appealing access route for visitors to the Wetlands entrance

+ create a safe, attractive route for cyclists and pedestrians.

Projects have been developed into three distinct phases:

+Early implementation projects: light touch projects linking St. James Street station to the new Wetlands entrance that improve orientation and way-finding and develop a route  identity to Coppermill Lane.

+Core projects: New public realm interventions focus on the new Coppermill ‘Wetlands Zone’ with places to sit, spend time, enjoy nature and orientate oneself along the route. These projects compliment new carraigeway and footway improvements creating a safer, and more accessible environment for pedestrians, cyclists and other road users.

+Connecting projects: Public realm and highways project that focus on the section of Coppermill Lane from the Flood Relief bridge to St. James Street.