The project is for 300 new homes, including 50% allocated for affordable housing. A new entrance to Lea Bridge station will also be created, plus 3,000sq m of space for a cultural hub for the local community, shops, offices, incubator space and support for start-up businesses, and a new public square with green space and trees. Meanwhile Space, which already operates in the borough, will manage the cultural hub.
Nearly 300 jobs will be created on the construction site, with 15% to be filled by local people and more than £350,000 worth of work available for local sub-contractors. Employment and skills training will be offered, including four apprenticeships, jobs for unemployed young people, and five paid work placements.
A programme of working with local schools to run breakfast and after school clubs, with counselling to tackle anti-social behaviour, will get under way. A community fund will be established, run by a board working with local groups and initiatives will include financial inclusion advice, health and wellbeing activities offering walking and running clubs and projects to tackle loneliness.
Waltham Forest Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Growth and Housing Development, Councillor Simon Miller, said: "This proposed development will bring much needed jobs and housing for local people as well as improving access to Lea bridge Station while also creating working space for local business and open space for residents to enjoy. We are pleased to have chosen two firms which share our vision for this prominent part of the Lea Bridge Growth Area."