In 2014 Waltham Forest and what if: projects started creating ‘Mini-Holland’ cycle-friendly zones – a series of joined-up public realm interventions. Across different parts of Waltham Forest, co-ordinated and joined up public realm interventions were realised, integrating highway engineering, greening and sustainable urban drainage solutions. The award-winning scheme has radically improved the borough’s cycling infrastructure and has achieved a step change in the number of local people choosing to cycle and walk. what if: projects have continued to work with LB Waltham Forest expanding this approach to other areas.

In 2014 work began to re-balance Lea Bridge Road from a polluted transport corridor into a high street that connects the ancient landscapes Lee Valley Park to Epping Forest, supporting public life and providing the infrastructure needed for the increasing population in this development area. what if: projects prepared a series of coordinated three-dimensional representations of the proposed Lea Bridge Road streetscape for the public consultation in 2015 involving 960 people, resulting in 3454 written and predominantly positive comments.

The scheme’s health and economic benefits to the community have been massive. People are now reportedly cycling more, walking more and breathing in fewer fumes. Over 300 new trees have been planted, and 2.5 acres of new public realm have been created to date.

The public consultation for Lea Bridge Road closed in December 2015. Proposals generated a lively discussion. The majority of people welcomed the plans for the improvements they will bring to the quality of life along this central transport corridor.

Comments from the public regarding the public realm proposals were collected through the Commonplace platform.

“You are turning an urban motorway into a place of beauty – this is inspirational”

” A good balance between the needs of pedestrian, cyclist and motorist. Very impressive plans.”

“This is a great opportunity, I currently would not think about stopping at one of the shops or having something to eat at one of the restaurants on Lea Bridge Rd, it’s just a fume filled thoroughfare taking you somewhere that’s nicer. Once the works are completed it will be great to stop and have a bite to eat or get groceries.”

“If traffic is ultimately reduced, the air quality around the school will also improve, which will be a positive benefit to the kids and other local residents.”

what if: projects proposed Perth Road Nature Garden as part of the Lea Bridge Road masteplan in 2015. The garden was realised in 2024 in collaboration with Waltham Forest Regeneration and Sybourn Primary School.

The Mini Holland project series has informed national and London policies and planning, including Human Streets – The Mayor’s Vision for Cycling, three years on, 2016 / DfT ‘Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy, 2016 / Mayor’s Transport Strategy, June 2017 / Healthy Streets for London, 2017 and the Liveable Neighbourhoods agenda.