St. James Public Realm Rain Gardens

To assist the regeneration plans of St. James Quarter proposed by the council’s ‘Culture For All’ programme, Meristem Design has delivered a large area of planting in and around the quarter. This project was implemented in collaboration with Waltham Forest and Publica to enhance public experience and biodiversity in the area. The first phase of the project involved a mural along the pathway leading to the underpass. Phase two was involved soft landscaping, new street lighting and SuDS planting beds – where we came in.

Waltham Forest Council has plans to make pathways to and from St. James station more accessible and welcoming to pedestrians. As part of their public space improvements scheme to enhance the public realm, the footpath through Brunner Road was selected for us to improve via planting. The aim of this project was to use planting to enhance pedestrian experience, connections to the station and create a greener, more climate resilient space.

The project is located on a street near Brunner Road, a pedestrianised section of St. James Quarter and Jazz Yard, running the length of residential buildings and passing under St. James Underground Station. Four different planting areas and a rich planting scheme were selected and installed to fill up the length of the street and enhance biodiversity as much as possible. The first phase of the project involved a mural along the pathway leading to the underpass. Phase two was involved soft landscaping, new street lighting and SuDS planting beds – where we came in.

The project involved an intricate planting scheme with over 800 plants to fill the four assigned planting areas along the pedestrian walkway. Each area was mapped out to provide the most possible green coverage of the pathway without obstructing accessibility to align with the councils proposal to enhance biodiversity and provide welcoming spaces for pedestrians.

The planting scheme consisted of:

• Amelanchier lamarckii
• Cornus sanguinea ‘Midwinter Fire’
• Dryopteris wallichiana
• Geranium sylvaticium ‘Mayflower’
• Primula vulgaris
• Carex pendula
• Hedera helix

This project has created a welcoming space that improves the pedestrian experience and enhances the The planting scheme has made a significant difference to the St. James Quarter, not only enhancing the visual appeal but also delivering meaningful environmental and community benefits. By improving accessibility, boosting biodiversity, and creating a greener, more climate-resilient public space, this project supports the council’s vision for a healthier, more connected neighbourhood.