This phase of the project to create a new neighbourhood in the heart of the borough includes building approximately 500 homes on the campus and Willow House sites, landscaping, and the construction of a brand-new civic building.
This project will continue to build on the legacy of the borough’s year as the first-ever Mayor’s London Borough of Culture in 2019 by opening up the campus for public use, with opportunities for new leisure, entertainment and commercial spaces. It will also provide brand new and affordable housing prioritised for local residents, and a new civic building which will facilitate new ways of working for council staff, transforming the way the council operates and delivers services to residents.
Phase one of the redevelopment was approved by Waltham Forest Planning Committee in October 2019, with work beginning on pedestrianising the area around the fountain, replacing it with an accessible water feature, as well as renovation of the Grade-II listed Town Hall interior, bringing it up to date to support modern ways of working.
As plans for phase 2 progress, Waltham Forest Council will continue engaging with local residents and the community to gain essential feedback on the proposals for the transformation. Countryside will be working alongside the Council for the remainder of the redevelopment, ending in 2024.
Councillor Simon Miller, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth and Housing Development, says: “With phase one well under way, we are delighted to announce that Countryside are partnering with us to deliver the second phase of this ambitious plan to create a brand new neighbourhood in the centre of our fantastic borough.”
“This is an incredible opportunity to build genuinely affordable housing with 50% affordable for local residents, and to breathe new life into the Town Hall Campus, ensuring it is an open and welcoming destination for all.”
Robert Wilkinson, Managing Director, Partnerships South (East), Countryside, added: “We are thrilled to have been appointed by the council on such a prestigious project in the heart of the borough. Having worked in Waltham Forest since 2013, we have a deep understanding of the area’s heritage and will ensure the homes and amenities reflect the local need. At Countryside, our ethos is built up on not just building high-quality homes but cultivating sustainable communities for future generations.”