Romford's Ring Road effectively limits pedestrian access to the town centre. Design for London and the London Borough of Havering commissioned Urban Practitioners and Allies and Morrison to provide a framework for Romford's Town Centre. The Romford Urban Strategy sets out a series of proposals under the headings Connecting Romford; Cultural Destination Romford; Commercial Romford and Liveable Romford.

Subsequently architects What If were appointed to take the proposals forward by developing a series of projects creating a greener, more pleasant and accessible environment along the Ring Road. Greening the Romford Ring Road sets out proposals to make more of the town centre's public space, drawing attention to Romford's cultural heritage and work with the local community to celebrate Romford's open space assets on and around the Ring. The project has identified a series of micro-projects to improve accessibility and invite people to explore Romford by walking and cycling.