Walthamstow Council approve mall regeneration scheme

The plan to redevelop the town centre will deliver a new play area, a re-greened town square and better access to transport links directly into the heart of London. The scheme was originally approved by Waltham Forest Council Planning Committee back in December.

The newly approved scheme will bring a wealth of investment and opportunity to the area, including 350 new retail jobs and 500 homes. The new permission also builds on changes requested by local residents and the council to include better access to transport links to the capital.

As part of the redesigned plans, site owners Capital and Regional will work with TfL to provide a step-free entrance to the Victoria Line from Walthamstow Central Station. The plans will now be resubmitted to the Mayor of London’s office, which agreed the first outline plans in 2018.

Affordable housing

The redesigned plans were approved in January and will bring £200m of private investment into the area while creating 5,000 sq m of retail space. The development will blend areas for larger retail chains with units for small, independent businesses.

The council worked hard with Capital and Regional to optimise the number of affordable and below-market rent homes included in the scheme. Some 538 new homes will be built for the local community, including 99 available at discounted rents. A further £7.3m will be made available for another affordable housing development in the area.

Green space

For residents the primary concern was the potential loss of an avenue of lime trees. The reworked plans will preserve the majority of the much-loved trees, as well as re-landscaping the town square and providing a new children’s play area. Waltham Forest Council is committed to making the development as sustainable as possible and will ensure it meets the highest possible environmental standards.

The new town square will address the issues of anti-social behaviour that have plagued the current town centre. With a relandscaped design, more trees and a family-focused vibe, the new space will be designed for outdoor and community events.

New shopping mall

The new mall will create 5,000 sq m of retail space and a more active street frontage. The redevelopment will give residents the option of shopping locally rather than having to travel further afield.

The entrance to Walthamstow Central underground station is located at the entrance to the Mall, and the step-free access to the Victoria Line will give shoppers more options.

The creation of a new London Underground box will provide improved access to station platforms and create new underground connections.

New jobs

The construction phase of the Mall redevelopment is expected to create 500 new jobs, some of them apprenticeships. The scheme will eventually create 350 permanent retail jobs in the local community.

Capital and Regional have owned the Mall in Walthamstow for over 20 years. They held a series of engagement events to discuss the new plans before finalising the project and seeking planning permission. The Mayor of London’s office will now rule on whether the final go-ahead is given.