St james street bridge restoration project
St James Street Big Local is seeking an individual, organisation, or consortium to design and deliver the restoration and repainting of the historic sign on both sides of the St James Street railway bridge in Walthamstow. The work will celebrate the area's rich industrial and social heritage while creating a lasting, high-quality visual landmark. We are particularly interested in proposals that respect the heritage of the bridge and demonstrate local connection, design excellence, and the capacity to manage all practical aspects of the installation.
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Project
We are restoring the sign on both sides of the St James Street railway bridge—a project we believe will leave a meaningful and lasting impact on the community. We believe the sign will foster a strong sense of belonging and place among residents, improve navigation for visitors, and align with broader regeneration efforts in the area. Built in 1870, St James Street was the first railway station in Walthamstow and brought businesses and waves of workers, often migrants, into the local area to work on the railway and in local breweries, manufacturing companies, and factories. We want the restored sign to reflect the strong social history of the area, which grew up around the railway, and be something that is enjoyed daily by residents and workers. We are looking for designs that use the original Great Eastern Railway typography and livery colours, to respect the heritage of the bridge in a timeless design. Please note that although the project has initial approval from Network Rail, it is subject to final engineering and health and safety surveys and permission.
What we are looking for
We are looking for an individual, organisation or a consortium who will be able to design, paint and deliver the painting of the St James Rail bridge. You will be expected to design the artwork for the sign, source the materials for the restoration, manage the labour, assembly and dismantling of the scaffolding/access equipment and hold £20 million public liability insurance. You will be expected to work collaboratively with St James Street Big Local, Waltham Forest Council and Network Rail. It is desirable if your organisation/s have a connection to the Walthamstow area.
timeline
The selection process will take place in early August 2025 which will include shortlisting applicants to be invited for clarification interviews. The final decision will be made by the St James Street Big Local Panel (a long standing group of local residents), our expert local advisers, and a representative from LBWF. The final design must be approved by Network Rail. Once final approval is received from Network Rail the project execution will take place in September/Autumn 2025.
fee
The total budget is £19,000 and must cover all costs including design, materials, labour, licenses, erection and dismantling of scaffolding, and VAT.
process
Please submit a 2-page proposal demonstrating your ability to complete this project and attach an initial design concept Applicants shortlisted will be asked to come to present your design proposal and answer any questions to the panel in August We will then select the successful candidate please submit a 2-page proposal demonstrating your ability to complete this project and attach an initial design concept Applicants shortlisted will be asked to come to present your design proposal and answer any questions to the panel in August We will then select the successful candidatePlease submit a 2-page proposal demonstrating your ability to complete this project and attach an initial design concept Applicants shortlisted will be asked to come to present your design proposal and answer any questions to the panel in August We will then select the successful candidate
Submitting your proposal
We would like you to submit a proposal (maximum 1000 words) outlining your suitability to deliver this project and your initial design concept, which you can attach as an additional document. Technical drawings of the bridge are available on our website here.
If you have any questions about the project or application process, please contact joanne@stjamesstreetbiglocal.co.uk
Please submit your application via email by 1st August.
Successful applicants would be able to answer the following questions :
Describe your experience, track record, and relevant previous work executing large-scale art projects. We would be particularly interested in hearing if you have conducted any rail bridge projects. (essential)
Who your organisation is and what you do? If you are working as a consortium, please tell us how you have worked together successfully on a previous project. (essential)
Initial design concept including how you will incorporate the heritage of the area in the design. (essential)
How you will complete the project including access to the bridge and sourcing materials. (essential)
Your ability to meet the project timelines and budgets. (essential)
Your ability to hold £20 million public liability insurance. (essential)
What is your connection to St James Street/Walthamstow? (desirable)
Panel Stage
If your organisation is shortlisted, you will be invited to come to a panel meeting to present your full design concept and be expected to demonstrate…. Information on the long-term durability of the work, materials, and maintenance requirements. How it relates to the heritage of the rail bridge and the social history of Walthamstow. Description of design including images. Sensitive restoration of the sign in line with the LBWF St James conservation area requirements.