TOWN CENTRE STRATEGY
& DELIVERY PLANS
Stansted Airport
32mins by road
CHINGFORD
Chingford
CHINGFORD
MOUNT
2016–2020
HIGHAMS
PARK
Highams Park
Major road links
M11, A12,
M25
6mins
WOOD
STREET
Blackhorse
Road
WALTHAMSTOW
To
Tottenham Hale
3mins by tube
St James Street
Walthamstow
Wood Street
Walthamstow
Central
Walthamstow Queens Road
BAKERS
ARMS
LEYTONSTONE
Central London
15mins by tube
Lea
Bridge
Leytonstone
Leyton Midland
Road
Leytonstone
High Road
LEYTON
THE CREATIVE CHOICE
Waltham Forest | east London
To the Olympic Park
6mins by road
Canary Wharf
15mins by road
Eton Manor
Leyton
London City Airport
19mins by road
TOWN CENTRE STRATEGY & DELIVERY PLANS
2016–2020
CONTENTS
1. FOREWORD
from Cllr Coghill, Lead
Member for Economic
Growth and High Streets...........2
2. PURPOSE OF THIS DOCUMENT.........3
3. ECONOMIC GROWTH STRATEGY –
our vision for economic
growth in Waltham Forest.......4
4. SNAPSHOT – how are the
borough’s town centres
performing?...............................5
5. RECENT INVESTMENT
IN TOWN CENTRES.......................... 6
6. OBJECTIVES: what we
want to achieve...........................7
7. INVOLVING LOCAL RESIDENTS,
BUSINESSES AND OTHER
STAKEHOLDERS.............................. 9
8. THE COUNCIL’S ROLE.....................10
9. TOWN CENTRE DELIVERY PLANS......11
TOWN CENTRE INSERTS
Walthamstow
LEYTONSTONE
LEYTON
CHINGFORD
CHINGFORD MOUNT
BAKERS ARMS
Wood STREET
HIGHAMS PARK
MORE INFORMATION
1.FOREWORD FROM CLLR COGHILL, LEAD MEMBER
FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH AND HIGH STREETS
Our borough has transformed over the past six years and is continuing to experience
unprecedented levels of growth. With this change we have seen significant increases in
the number of jobs and businesses in the borough and thriving arts and creative industries which
have contributed to our unique cultural identity and the transformation of our town centres.
T
he Council has ambitious plans to
build on this success and deliver
further economic growth for the borough,
which is set out in the Council’s Economic
Growth Strategy 2016–2020.
The Town Centre Strategy document forms
one of the five themes in the Economic
Growth Strategy. It sets out how we plan
to achieve growth in our eight largest town
centres to make them even better places to
live, work and have fun. Our town centres
are fantastic, vibrant and distinct places
and the individual delivery plans describe
the set of actions we propose to address
the unique issues and opportunities each
centre faces over the next few years.
We will continue to work closely with
businesses in our town centres to give
them the support they need to prosper. We
are committed to promoting and investing
in our town centres to keep wealth in the
borough and give residents access to high
quality employment and the quality and
mix of shopping and services that they
expect. From setting up business networks
and improving shop fronts in Leyton and
Bakers Arms to facilitating the creation of
new workspaces in Blackhorse Lane, we are
working with our town centres to deliver
new and cultural hubs such as the Central
Parade creative space, bakery and café in
Walthamstow.
Many exciting developments around the
public realm have launched in the last few
years such as The Scene and the Heritage
Lottery Fund historic building conservation
project in St James Street. Several others are
in the pipeline, for example, re-opening the
EMD theatre in Walthamstow, delivering new
and cultural spaces in Leytonstone, investing
in our vibrant street markets and evening
leisure offer and creating more public and
green spaces in town centres. The Council
has been working on the development of
major sites in Blackhorse Lane and master
planning for Leyton and Lea Bridge which
will result in the emergence of two new town
centres in the borough.
The Council has also set out ambitious
plans to see 12,000 affordable homes built
in the borough by 2020, while ensuring
that the infrastructure is provided to give
all residents access to the services they
need such as schools, GP services and
good public transport. We are also clear
about our ambition to put residents at the
heart of decision making about investment
in town centres and will develop ways to
engage local people in our plans.
We are confident that our strategy will
enable Waltham Forest to be resilient
and continue to progress and deliver our
ambitious plans growth in our town centres.
These are exciting times for Waltham
Forest and we look forward to working
closely with our partners and residents to
deliver on our vision.
Cllr Clare Coghill
Cabinet Lead Portfolio Member –
Economic Growth and High Streets
2. PURPOSE OF THIS DOCUMENT
This document sets out the Council’s vision for the borough’s town centres and describes the actions
the Council will take with its partners to support investment and growth in these locations. Our aim is
to support and promote retail, business, cultural, leisure and residential investment in the borough’s
town centres that recognises their unique identities and invests in their futures.
1. reduction in retail vacancy rates
2. improvement in business satisfaction
surveys
3. increased resident use of town centres
and improved satisfaction surveys
4. increased business survival rate
5. increased average pay of jobs in
Waltham Forest
The vision and overall town centre
strategy is described, followed by
individual standalone Delivery Plans, which
address the specific opportunities and
challenges in each town centre.
The strategy and delivery plans build on
the Economic Growth Strategy 2016–2020
which was approved by the Council’s
Cabinet in June 2016 and is available on the
Council’s website.
2016–2020
The measures of success we will use are:
The strategy cannot be delivered by the
Council alone and is dependent on close
collaboration with key partners such as
the Greater London Authority (GLA)
and Transport for London (TfL). It also
requires local business, where appropriate,
to contribute to improvements in their
premises, business practices and in the
wider town centre environment.
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WALTHAM FOREST TOWN CENTRE STRATEGY & DELIVERY PLANS
T
his is intended to be a practical,
delivery-focused document which
will result in visible improvements to the
borough’s eight largest town centres.
3.ECONOMIC GROWTH STRATEGY – OUR VISION FOR
ECONOMIC GROWTH IN WALTHAM FOREST
The Economic Growth strategy outlines how the Council will use its powers and influence to
guide economic growth and how the Council will work together with partners to realise the
economic opportunities for the borough to ensure prosperity and a good quality of life for residents
and businesses.
T
he Economic Growth Strategy
sets out the Council’s vision for
economic growth:
will maximise the opportunity
“ofWeWaltham
Forest’s unique place in
London to help our economy grow
and thrive, enabling residents to enjoy
sustainable prosperity and an improved
quality of life”
The Strategy sets out the Council’s role
in supporting growth under five key
themes which are fundamental to
delivering economic growth in the
borough:
1
2
Business – we will “keep, seed and grow” businesses in the
borough to ensure Waltham Forest’s economy thrives and
overall productivity increases
Town Centres – we will support and promote retail, business,
cultural, leisure and residential investment in our town
centres that recognises their unique identities and invests in
their future
3
Homes – we will aim to build 12,000 new homes by 2020,
including 50% affordable homes, creating great places to live
4
Employment and skills – we will make sure local people
have the skills and ability to access high-quality employment
in the borough and across London
5
Infrastructure – we will ensure that growth supports the
delivery of new facilities and infrastructure across the borough
4. S NAPSHOT – HOW ARE THE BOROUGH’S TOWN CENTRES
PERFORMING?
Recent business and retail studies (Waltham Forest Business Survey, 2015 and Retail Needs Study,
2016) have shown that none of the borough’s main town centres are particularly struggling, with all
centres meeting day-to-day convenience and local shopping needs for their residents.
Waltham Forest’s town centres in total
account for 22% of borough wide
employment and accommodate 18% of the
borough’s businesses. Town centres contain
around 1,200 businesses and 13,700 jobs.
The largest of these is Walthamstow with
380 businesses and around 3,070 jobs.
Waltham Forest’s town centres are growing
employment hubs and residents continue
to demand more of our town centres
in terms of choice and quality of retail
provision and a broader cultural and
leisure offer.
Walthamstow is the major town centre
in the borough in terms of economic
performance, floorspace and number
of retail units. The strategy and delivery
plans focus on Walthamstow, alongside
the borough’s seven District Centres:
Leytonstone, Leyton, Chingford, Chingford
Mount, Bakers Arms, Wood Street, and
Highams Park.
There are several important smaller centres
and neighbourhood shopping parades in
the borough, including:
• South Leytonstone High Road
• Francis Road, Leyton
• South Chingford (Old Church Road)
• Markhouse Corner, Lea Bridge Road
• Billet Road, Higham Hill
The Council will assess where specific
action and investment plans are required
for these smaller centres and parades
with the greatest need alongside the town
centres covered in this strategy.
2016–2020
he studies identified that there
is significant capacity for more
convenience (day-to-day shopping) and
comparison (more expensive, infrequent
purchases), predominantly in the south of
the borough.
5
WALTHAM FOREST TOWN CENTRE STRATEGY & DELIVERY PLANS
T
5. RECENT INVESTMENT IN TOWN CENTRES
In the last few years, the Council and its partners have invested in several town centre programmes
to create new housing, shopping and commercial areas including:
• Walthamstow’s award-winning Scene,
Empire cinema development and high
street improvements
• Shop front, public realm improvements
and street art programmes in Leyton,
Leytonstone, Wood Street, Francis Road,
Chingford Mount and Blackhorse Road
• A £2.9m major restoration and high
street improvement programme in
St James Street with Heritage Lottery
Funding which will be completed in
summer 2017
• Development of major new sites for
housing and workspaces in Blackhorse
Lane and Lea Bridge
There are now exciting opportunities
to continue to grow and diversify the
borough’s residential, shopping, leisure,
arts and cultural offers to make Waltham
Forest’s town centres great places to
live, work, do business and access leisure
and culture.
6. OBJECTIVES: WHAT WE WANT TO ACHIEVE
This section sets out the framework for achieving our vision for the borough’s town centres from 2016 to
2020, through a clear set of actions which address the specific needs of each of the eight town centres.
The borough’s town centres represent
major opportunities for continued growth,
investment, employment, economic
diversification and development of local
supply chains. There is demand and capacity
in town centres for large chains, independent
retail space, pop-up shops and creative
workspace. The largest proposal is Capital
& Regional’s plan to redevelop The Mall in
Walthamstow, with the potential to create an
additional 8,000m2 of space for shops, cafes,
restaurants and bars. Recent retail studies
also suggest that many of the borough’s
town centres could benefit from an increase
in their café, restaurant and evening offer.
The borough has established itself as a
location for creative and cultural activity
and is experiencing growth in employment
and demand for creative and cultural
industry workspace. These sectors have
a vital role in supporting the borough’s
town centres, bringing innovation and
interest to the borough’s high streets and
strengthening the evening leisure and
entertainment offer.
B. STRENGTHEN THE STREET MARKETS
Waltham Forest’s town centres are an
established location for street markets,
most famously in Walthamstow. As the
borough’s economy diversifies and new
residents move in, there is growing interest
in establishing new markets, providing
food, drink and high quality arts and crafts.
Markets are also a realistic entry point for
small new businesses which can support
local entrepreneurs.
There is relatively little in terms of a
high-end cultural offer in the borough
(theatres, galleries, venues etc.), but there
are opportunities to refurbish existing
buildings or create new spaces, including
the proposed 1,000 seat auditorium
at the former EMD Granada Cinema in
Walthamstow, the re-opening of the Regal
Cinema in Highams Park and replacement
of an established music venue at The
Standard in Blackhorse Lane.
D. STIMULATING THE LEISURE AND EVENING
ECONOMIES
Waltham Forest’s town centres currently
have a limited evening economy offer.
However, clusters of activity are developing
in Walthamstow, Leyton and Leytonstone,
with food, drink, culture and entertainment.
The borough’s leisure offer could be
expanded, including developing existing
facilities in Lea Bridge. Gaps in the offer
remain, with local demand for additional
facilities such as a bowling alley. The
introduction of the night tube in August
2016 strengthens the offer in Walthamstow,
Leyton and Leytonstone town centres, as
well as at Blackhorse Lane, as all are now
served by regular underground services
throughout Friday and Saturday nights.
E. PROMOTING TOWN CENTRES AND CREATING A
DESTINATION
The Council will play its part in promoting
and marketing town centres, raising their
profile as destinations for visitors, shoppers
and investors. Part of this programme will
be creating welcoming gateways into town
centres, through clear way-finding and
attractive routes from arrival points to key
shopping areas and visitor attractions. This
will involve close working with partners
such as Transport for London and existing
businesses.
2016–2020
C. GROWTH IN THE CREATIVE AND CULTURAL
SECTORS
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WALTHAM FOREST TOWN CENTRE STRATEGY & DELIVERY PLANS
A. MEET THE DEMAND FOR NEW HIGH STREET
BUSINESSES
F. INCREASED TOWN CENTRE HOUSING
H. CREATING NEW CENTRES
The Council has a target of 12,000 new
homes to be built or under construction
in the borough by 2020. This includes
designated Housing Zones at Blackhorse,
Lea Bridge and Leyton where 5,000 new
homes are planned, as well as major growth
in Walthamstow town centre which has
potential for over 2,000 new homes. The
Council will also provide a mix of new
housing on its own sites, such as Central
Parade and Juniper House in Walthamstow
town centre and the SCORE Centre in
Leyton. The Council wants to ensure that
town centres are great places to live; a
mix of new housing, shopping and leisure
uses bring opportunities for existing and
new residents to benefit from new facilities
and new employment opportunities. It
also presents challenges, for example
in balancing residents’ needs with an
expansion in the evening economy.
The Council is leading plans, working with
the GLA, developers and stakeholders,
to create two new centres at Blackhorse
Lane and Lea Bridge. The area immediately
around Blackhorse Road station is being
transformed with a mix of housing,
commercial and community space, with a
strong focus on independent shops, cultural
and creative industry space, supporting the
wider Creative Enterprise Zone initiative.
With the re-opening of Lea Bridge station
G. INCREASING LOCAL EMPLOYMENT
One of the key reasons the Council is
supporting growth in the town centres
is that it will generate employment and
training opportunities. The Council will
particularly welcome growth in key sectors
such as creative, cultural, digital, technical
and urban services which can generate
high quality jobs and will make sure
local residents are able to access these
opportunities, which will contribute to
tackling poverty.
in May 2016, the Council is drawing up
plans to create a new centre, introducing
residential, community and leisure facilities
– including on sites in its ownership –
alongside the area’s established businesses.
Separate delivery plans will be drawn up
for these two new centres, building on the
adopted Area Action Plan for Blackhorse
Lane (available on the Council’s website)
and the emerging Masterplan for Lea
Bridge and Leyton.
7. INVOLVING LOCAL RESIDENTS, BUSINESSES AND OTHER
STAKEHOLDERS
As the borough changes, it is critical that local people are involved in the ambitious plans for
growth. The Council has started comprehensive engagement, with borough-wide analysis, specific
area-based engagement and consultation. This has shown that residents genuinely enjoy living in
Waltham Forest and there is evidence of real loyalty to the borough. The borough’s high streets
are well used and appreciated during the day time and residents enjoy a range of local leisure and
entertainment activities for which there are good facilities. However, there is a growing need to
develop the evening economy and expand the cultural offer, as well as ensure there is sufficient
social infrastructure to cope with the increased demand generated by growth (Shaping Growth
Research by Bright Blue, January 2016).
It is important that stakeholders – including
businesses and property owners – also
contribute to maintaining and improving
the borough’s town centres. The Council
can facilitate this partnership, but cannot
do this alone.
9
WALTHAM FOREST TOWN CENTRE STRATEGY & DELIVERY PLANS
he Council will also continue to
work closely with key London-wide
stakeholders such as the Greater London
Authority (GLA) and Transport for
London (TfL), local business partnerships,
traders associations, development trusts,
landowners, developers and investors to
co-ordinate and focus growth and ensure
that the local community benefits of
growth are maximised.
2016–2020
T
8. THE COUNCIL’S ROLE
The Council has multiple roles to play and tools at its disposal in continuing to support and enhance
the borough’s town centres:
a. Town centre management: the Council
undertakes a range of services across
the borough’s town centres, coordinating
with other public services, to ensure they
remain safe, clean and inclusive places
for residents, businesses and visitors. This
strategy sets out how these services will be
coordinated, including formal partnerships
with businesses that could be introduced.
b. Planning authority: planning policy
provides the Council with a robust
framework for determining planning
applications in support of the growth
of the borough’s town centres. It also
allows the Council to assess where a town
centre’s offer could be diversified, such as
introducing more food, drink, workspace,
leisure or housing uses.
c. Enforcement: the Council will focus
enforcement action on businesses which
are in breach of planning regulations,
environmental health, licencing laws, which
fail to meet trading standards or which are
a persistent cause of nuisance or anti-social
behaviour in town centres. It will consider
implementing appropriate campaigns or
programmes such as ‘Scores on the Doors’
to encourage the highest standards of
business practice.
d. Infrastructure provider: the Council
works with partners such as Transport for
London, the NHS and utility companies to
provide services and facilities for residents.
This strategy will allow investment to be
coordinated, and Community Infrastructure
Levy (CIL) and section 106 funding to be
focused on new infrastructure, including
Council-led initiatives such as creating freeto-access WiFi networks.
e. Business support: the Council has
developed business support projects
such as shop front improvement schemes,
pop up shop opportunities and business
advice and training. The Economic Growth
Strategy sets out a wider programme of
investment and support the Council will
be providing to existing businesses as well
as new businesses looking to locate in the
borough.
f. Landowner and developer: the Council
owns a range of property across the
borough’s town centres. Plans are
being developed for key sites, with
opportunities under consideration,
building on the Council’s lead in delivering
the award-winning Scene development
in Walthamstow which has delivered a
cinema, restaurants and new housing in a
prominent town centre location.
g. Investor: the Council has invested
heavily in improvements to the borough’s
town centres in the last five years and
this will continue. Direct investment sits
alongside the Council’s role coordinating
spend of section 106 funding, Community
Infrastructure Levy and the potential for
targeted use of business rates revenue. The
Council also has a strong track record of
securing funding for investing in its town
centres including from the GLA, TfL and
Heritage Lottery Fund.
h. Promoter: the Council is well-placed to
promote the offers and opportunities of the
borough’s town centres. The Council has
launched the ‘Shaping Waltham Forest’ and
‘Creative Choice’ campaign and the ‘Invest
Waltham Forest’ programme, all geared
up to showcase the borough and its major
centres.
9. TOWN CENTRE DELIVERY PLANS
PURPOSE
TIMINGS
COUNCIL RESOURCE
PARTNERS
1
Town Centre Promotion: launch Waltham
Forest Business Offer and Top 20
Business Forum
To support growth and investment in our
unique town centres and to work with
larger businesses on their corporate social
responsibility programmes
2016 onwards
Regeneration,
Neighbourhood
Management/Street
Trading, Business
Team
Local businesses
2
Offer business support in key growth
sectors
To support small businesses particularly in
the creative and cultural industries, urban
services, food & drink, independent retail
and the evening economy, including
maximising the impact of the night tube
from August 2016
2016 onwards
Business Team,
Communications
Local businesses
3
Invest funding and resources where it is
most needed and can have the greatest
impact for residents and businesses
To secure community benefits and deliver
improvement programmes in parts of the
town centre that need investment, e.g.
through business contributions, Section 106
(planning gain) funding, external funding
applications, town centre grants or crowd
funding
2016 onwards
Regeneration,
Business Team,
Highways
Local
businesses,
Community
groups
4
Town Centre Management
To establish a town centre management
programme to co-ordinate developments
and business support activity, specifically
in Walthamstow during the period of
regeneration, but potentially rolling out to
other town centres, to ensure town centres
are safe, clean and inclusive
2017 onwards
Regeneration,
Neighbourhood
Management/Street
Trading, Business
Team
Local
businesses,
community
groups, property
owners
To ensure that commercial and workspaces
are made available which are flexible enough
to meet the future needs of business
2016 onwards
Planning Policy,
Development
Management and
Regeneration
through Town Centre
Programme Boards
Developers,
businesses,
utilities and
transport
providers
5
Protecting and expanding employment
uses in town centres
11
WALTHAM FOREST TOWN CENTRE STRATEGY & DELIVERY PLANS
DELIVERY PLAN: ALL TOWN CENTRES
ACTIVITY
2016–2020
This section describes activity which is common to all eight town centres, followed by stand-alone
customised delivery plans for each town centre.
DELIVERY PLAN: ALL TOWN CENTRES (CONTINUED)
ACTIVITY
PURPOSE
TIMINGS
6
Co-ordination of infrastructure delivery
To deliver public infrastructure, e.g. transport, 2016 onwards
and increased capacity to support growth utilities, open spaces, broadband, new leisure
facilities and other improvements to town
centres
7
Better utilisation of third party assets
To make better use of land and assets
owned by third parties such as Network Rail,
Transport for London – including vacant,
underused land and railway arches – for
commercial, community, town centre and
residential development
2016 onwards
COUNCIL RESOURCE
PARTNERS
Planning Policy,
Development
Management and
Regeneration
Utilities and
transport
providers
Regeneration,
Property
Landowners
TOWN CENTRE STRATEGY & DELIVERY PLANS – 2016–2020
WALTHAMSTOW TOWN CENTRE
WALTHAMSTOW
THE OPPORTUNITY
Strengthen Walthamstow’s position as the borough’s major town centre through significant
growth and diversification of its retail, food and drink, leisure, culture, evening economy offer,
alongside the development of new business space and homes, supported by improvements to
public space and community infrastructure.
05 | mission grove
03 | hoe street/
high street
02 | high street & market
06 | St James Street,
south grove
W
althamstow town centre is the
borough’s major town centre and
has been identified as one of the key
growth areas in the borough.
Walthamstow has over 500 existing
shops, including in The Mall shopping
centre, along the High Street, Hoe Street
and St James Street. The High Street
is also home to one of the country’s
01 | the mall & town Square
longest street markets, with over 350
pitches, stretching from the Town Square
to St James Street and serving the
diverse community that lives in or visits
Walthamstow.
Hoe Street is fast becoming a location
for independent food, drink and creative
businesses, as well as an evening offer
stimulated by the opening of The Scene
04 | station/ hoe street
cinema and restaurants and introduction
of the Night Tube on the Victoria line.
The proposals for the EMD Cinema,
which include a restored 1,000 seat
auditorium – represent a major
opportunity to put Walthamstow on the
map and provide a mix of town centre
and evening economy activities for local
residents.
St James Street at the western end of
the High Street has a distinct character
and 50 Victorian buildings and the
streets around St James Street are
being restored, through the Council-led
Heritage Lottery Funded programme.
WHAT LOCAL PEOPLE HAVE TOLD US ABOUT
WALTHAMSTOW
In March 2016, consultancy Soundings
carried out consultation with
Walthamstow residents and visitors to
the town centre on behalf of the Council.
The majority of those participating
recognised that there is a need for
Most people recognised that there was
an opportunity to improve the town
centre particularly around the Town
Square and Gardens and St James Street
area. Better quality greener public space
was suggested for the Town Square and
Gardens and improving way-finding
through improved signage, particularly
around St James Street.
The majority of respondents said that
Walthamstow Market is what makes the
town centre unique and special, but there
was also recognition that improvements
are needed. It was felt that there should
be a true mix of shops which reflect
the diverse population. There is an
opportunity for shops outside The Mall
to focus on local independent businesses,
including supporting independent shops
on the high street and creative businesses
on Hoe Street. 88% of residents
reported that they were happy with the
regeneration that has taken place to date
(Shaping Growth research by Bright Blue,
January 2016).
CASE STUDY
WALTHAMSTOW TOWN CENTRE
In 2013/14 four designers worked on a £1m programme with 40 traders to identify
improvements to their shopfronts. The outcome included new window design
and furniture, painting and de-cluttering to ensure each shop had a better façade,
awning or shopfront sign.
The works included:
•New shopfront facades to over 40 shops along Hoe Street
•Six new shopfronts at key locations along Hoe Street
•Art installation in the Town Square and Gardens
•Lighting to key buildings, for example feature lighting on pubs, along the road
• Public realm improvements to Hoe Street
2016–2020
The Council owns prominent buildings
on Hoe Street and land at South Grove
and is exploring a mix of development
on these sites, including commercial,
community facilities and new residential.
This is alongside the refurbishment of
Walthamstow Library and streetscape
improvements around the station and
St James Street to improve the public
space, walking, cycling and access to the
bus and underground stations.
new homes in Walthamstow; however,
they were keen to emphasise that new
homes need to be affordable and also
that it is essential that there is the social
infrastructure (healthcare facilities,
schools and public spaces) for existing
and new residents. Residents specifically
highlighted that improvements are
needed to the St James Street Health
Centre.
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WALTHAM FOREST TOWN CENTRE STRATEGY & DELIVERY PLANS
Major development is proposed or
approved for The Mall and at land at
South Grove, as well as key sites around
the station and along Hoe Street. These
developments would deliver in the region
of 2,000 new homes and a mix of town
centre uses, including 8,000m2 of retail
space at The Mall, alongside investment
in Town Square and Gardens.
DELIVERY PLAN: WALTHAMSTOW TOWN CENTRE
ACTIVITY
PURPOSE
TIMINGS
COUNCIL RESOURCE PARTNERS
1
Development of proposals and delivery
plans for key Council-owned sites:
- Central Parade
- Juniper House
-Town Square (including its relation to
proposed Mall development)
- Walthamstow Library
- South Grove
- Chestnuts House
To deliver a mix of high-quality town centre
developments, incorporating retail and
commercial space, new housing, community
facilities and improved townscape and
public realm
2016–2022
Regeneration,
business team,
property, External
funding
Developers,
investors,
businesses,
infrastructure
providers e.g.
NHS funding e.g.
Greater London
Authority, Heritage
Lottery Funding
2
Prepare and implement a strategy for
Walthamstow High Street
Clear strategy and delivery plan for
improvements to the whole High Street,
including the market, retailers and public
realm, as well as promotion of the whole
town centre, with phased implementation
of improvements to market, shops and
public realm
2016–2019
Regeneration,
Business
Support and
Neighbourhood
Management/
Street Trading
Traders, retailers.
Market and
Business Support
Specialists
3
Facilitate development of proposals and
delivery plans for key third party owned
sites, including:
- The Mall
- EMD Cinema
- Overground Station/Solum Phase 2
- South Grove/Brunner Road
- Central House (Strettons)
To deliver a mix of high-quality town centre
developments, incorporating retail and
commercial space, new housing, community
facilities and improved townscape and
public realm
2016–2022
Regeneration,
Planning Policy,
Housing
Business support
Developers,
investors,
businesses,
landowners
4
Pop-up shops including use of Council
properties
To make premises available to support small
local start-up businesses
2017–2020
Regeneration,
Business Support
Business support
organisations, local
start-up businesses
5
Programme of activity and support to
promote the town centre as a destination,
its retail, cultural, evening and leisure
economy
To improve the high street environment and
support businesses that deliver workspace,
good quality food & drink and leisure
services
2017–2020
Regeneration,
Planning Policy,
Business Support
Existing and new
businesses
6
Infrastructure delivery to meet scale of
anticipated growth in the town centre
Programme of improvements to
infrastructure, including Walthamstow
Gyratory highways works, increasing
capacity on the London Overground, Step
Free Access to the Victoria Line and bus
station reconfiguration, as well as utility
providers and community facilities.
2017–2022
Planning Policy,
Highways/Enjoy
Waltham Forest
Network Rail,
TfL, GLA
Infrastructure
providers
TOWN CENTRE STRATEGY & DELIVERY PLANS – 2016–2020
LEYTONSTONE TOWN CENTRE
LEYTONSTONE
THE OPPORTUNITY
Grow and diversify Leytonstone’s independent retail, food and drink offer, supported by new
housing and small-scale business space on key development sites, as well as improvements to
the public realm, reducing the impact of traffic congestion and improving connections to the
west and north.
L
eytonstone is the borough’s second
largest retail centre, set on the
edge of significant green space at
Epping Forest and Wanstead Flats with
established residential neighbourhoods.
Leytonstone is increasingly home to
small independent retailers, food and
drink businesses and supports a number
of artisan and boutique markets, as well
as a growing arts scene. However, the
town centre’s retail offer is dominated
by Tesco at the northern end which
is a car-friendly, out-of-town facility,
further reinforced by the proximity of
the A12 via the Green Man roundabout.
With direct access to the Central Line,
Overground and the regional road
network, it is open to competition from
nearby Westfield and central London,
but is likely to benefit from the night
tube’s introduction.
There have been recent town centre
improvements in Leytonstone including
renovation of the Old Red Lion pub and
use of St John’s churchyard for markets
and community events. The Council
has invested in buildings, including
the library, and the public realm, most
notably around the entrance to the
underground station. A place-shaping
plan for the town centre was developed
in 2016 to help guide investment and
development across the town centre; this
builds on the Local Plan which outlines
the potential for 500 homes to be built in
the town centre. The Fred Wigg and John
Walsh Towers (Montague Road Estate)
have been identified as priorities for
investment and improvement.
To the south of the town centre and
Overground Station, the new Crossrail
stations at Maryland and Forest Gate
in 2019 could be a catalyst for further
growth and change. However, one of
the challenges is that the High Road
stretching south from the town centre
to the borough boundary with Newham
has a dispersed and underperforming
shopping and business offer, with the
area also experiencing higher levels
of deprivation than most parts of the
borough. Part of the wider Leytonstone
delivery plan will include investment
in shopfronts, business support and
improvements to the appearance of
the public realm around Cann Hall
Road/Cathall Road and the entrance
to Langthorne Park as a catalyst for
further investment across the south
of Leytonstone.
WHAT LOCAL PEOPLE HAVE TOLD US ABOUT
LEYTONSTONE
82% of Leytonstone residents said that
they were happy with the regeneration
that has taken place to date (Shaping
Growth research, January 2016).
Respondents said that what they most
like about Leytonstone is that it is
diverse, with many different cultures and
that Westfield shopping centre is in close
proximity; however, clearly this has an
impact on Leytonstone’s competitiveness
as a town centre. Residents also have
concerns about pressure on existing
services, in particular access to hospitals
and GPs.
CASE STUDY
HIGH ROAD LEYTONSTONE
A tribute to film-maker Alfred Hitchcock, who was born in the
area, was installed along the High Road as part of works in
2013/14. Paying homage to his 1963 film The Birds, bespoke
paving slabs are now decorated with bird silhouettes, and the
building next to his former home (now a petrol station) was
transformed with a mural showing a scene from the film.
nearby Acacia Centre, which provides a wide range of business
space was refurbished, including:
The attractive Victorian terrace at the corner of High Road
Leytonstone and West Street was restored, while businesses,
including the Noted Eel & Pie House were improved. The
•New footway parking, loading bay and cycle stands and
improved signage and street furniture to create a more
pleasant public space
•14 new shopfront facades plus a refurbished supermarket
frontage along the high street
2016–2020
•New high quality granite paving, raised junction tables and
carriageway resurfacing
WALTHAM FOREST TOWN CENTRE STRATEGY & DELIVERY PLANS
3
DELIVERY PLAN: LEYTONSTONE TOWN CENTRE AND HIGH ROAD
ACTIVITY
PURPOSE
TIMINGS
COUNCIL RESOURCE PARTNERS
1
New food, drink, arts and crafts markets
To provide exciting events and markets into
the town centre, e.g. in St John’s Churchyard
2017 onwards
Events team,
Regeneration
Local
businesses, St
John’s Church
2
£500,000 improvements to open spaces,
community and cultural facilities and
streetscape
To improve the street scene, activate
open spaces and lift the appearance and
the business environment along South
Leytonstone High Road
2016–2017
Regeneration,
Parks, Business
Support
Local
businesses
3
Improvements to streets and shopfronts,
including entrance to the underground
To improve the welcome to Leytonstone and
encourage increased shoppers and visitors
to support local businesses
2017–2020
Regeneration
Transport for
London, St
John’s Church
4
Development on the Church Lane car
park
To develop options for a mix of meanwhile
uses ahead of longer-term development
plans
2017–2020
Regeneration,
Housing
Property,
Highways, Parking
Landowners,
developers
5
Improved connection to housing estates
undergoing regeneration
To improve links between housing estates,
the High Road, station, open spaces and
town centre
2017–2020
Regeneration,
Housing
Local
businesses,
Developers,
Housing
Associations
6
Developing brief to utilise Council assets,
specifically in South Leytonstone for new
community/leisure facilities along Cathall
Road
To create a mix of activity and facilities and
2017–2020
support the growth along South Leytonstone
High Road
Regeneration,
Property/Asset
Management
Developers,
sports and
leisure
providers,
community
organisations
7
Proposals for Whipps Cross Hospital site
To encourage better connections between
and easier and safer connections between the hospital and the town centre to
the hospital site and the town centre
increase use of the town centre by hospital
employees and incorporation of longer-term
proposals for the hospital
2017–2020
Highways,
Regeneration,
Planning Policy
NHS, Transport
for London
8
Examine options for strategic transport
interventions, such as improvements to
one-way traffic system through the town
centre and improve walking and cycling
routes
To reduce congestion and pollution through
the town centre and improve the overall
walking, cycling experience, connections
over the A12, to the station and Wanstead
Flats
2018–2021
Highways,
Regeneration,
Planning Policy
Transport
for London,
Network Rail
9
Proposals and delivery plans for new
housing, shopping and leisure uses on
key sites, specifically Tesco, Matalan and
Network Rail sites
To develop new housing and secure
associated community benefits. To develop
better integration between sites and the
High Street, introducing a wider mix of uses
2017–2022
Regeneration,
Housing, planning
Local
businesses,
Developers,
Housing
Associations
TOWN CENTRE STRATEGY & DELIVERY PLANS – 2016–2020
LEYTON TOWN CENTRE
LEYTON
THE OPPORTUNITY
Leyton is a major focus for growth and development in the borough, with a whole new
community planned to the west and south of the established town centre. Development
between the existing centre, Leyton Mills and the new residential development needs to be
integrated to ensure the High Road continues to thrive, offering a range of independent retail,
food and drink for the area’s diverse communities.
L
eyton is an important district
centre, with a traditional high
street and Leyton Mills, an out-of-town
designed retail park directly opposite
its underground station. Leyton
sits on the edge of an area that has
undergone considerable change, with
the development of Westfield, Stratford
International Station and the Queen
Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Leyton High Road and Francis Road have
recently benefited from a Council-led
programme of investment in the public
realm and shop front improvements,
alongside enhancements to Coronation
Gardens, Leyton Jubilee Park and other
public spaces close to the town centre.
This has lifted the area’s appearance and
improved its desirability as a place to live
and establish a business.
The Council is completing a masterplan
for the west of Leyton and Lea Bridge,
which plans for significant new housing
within ten minutes’ walk of the town
centre. 1,500 new homes are in the
pipeline and the potential for this figure
to increase to over 2,500 new homes
west of Leyton with the redevelopment
of the Leyton Mills retail park. This will
change the town centre and needs
to be carefully planned, to ensure the
necessary improvements to transport and
community infrastructure are delivered
and Leyton town centre continues
to thrive and support its diverse
communities. The Council is taking a lead
on this through the delivery of new sport,
health and community facilities alongside
550 new homes proposed for the Score
Centre site.
WHAT LOCAL PEOPLE HAVE TOLD US ABOUT LEYTON
LEYTON
In 2013, Leyton won the Best Town Centre Project in the London Planning Awards
for a programme of road surfacing, new pavements, better lighting and more
greenery in the run up to the Olympics. A £950,000 shopfront scheme to give
43 businesses a new lease of life as funded through the Working Neighbourhoods
Fund was also developed. This provided new signage, new shopfront facades, new
shutters, painting and specialist conservation work: the scheme revived Leyton high
street. Alongside this, residents were also able to access a home grant scheme that
helped 157 residents improve the front of their homes.
3
WALTHAM FOREST TOWN CENTRE STRATEGY & DELIVERY PLANS
CASE STUDY
2016–2020
86% of Leyton residents said that they
were happy with the regeneration that
has taken place to date. However, 61% of
Leyton residents consulted said that they
were concerned about the affordability
of housing, both to rent and to buy. This
figure was significantly higher than in
other areas in the borough. (Shaping
Growth research, January 2016).
DELIVERY PLAN: LEYTON TOWN CENTRE
ACTIVITY
PURPOSE
TIMINGS
COUNCIL RESOURCE PARTNERS
1
Develop proposals and delivery plans for
key sites, including :
- Score Centre (Coronation Square)/Ive
Farm
- Bywaters
- Leyton Mills Retail Park
To enable a coherent and comprehensive
plan for short, medium and long-term
housing, community infrastructure, leisure
and sports developments to the west and
south of the town centre
2017–2018
Regeneration,
Housing, Leisure,
Property
Landowners
and
developers
2
Take forward a masterplan for linking the
different areas of Leyton (High Street,
Leyton Mills and Coronation Square)
together more clearly
To ensure that Leyton as a whole retains
a distinct identity as a town centre and the
different areas are linked through clear
and attractive connections and good
quality wayfinding
2017–2019
Regeneration,
Highways
Landowners,
developers,
Transport for
London
3
Promote Leyton town centre as part of a
To raise the profile and attract further
wider narrative for growth and investment investment in the town centre
in ‘Lea Valley Eastside’
2016–2018
Regeneration,
Communications
GLA,
Developers,
Landowners
4
Further improvements to shops and
business support via town centre grants
To continue improvements to the high street 2016–2020
and support existing businesses
Regeneration,
Business Support
Local
businesses
5
Develop Leyton outdoor market
To support the continued success of the
newly-established outdoor market
2016–2018
Regeneration,
Business Support,
Culture
Leyton
market
operator and
traders
6
Improve links to the south and west
(to Hackney Marshes, Eton Manor,
QE Olympic Park and Stratford
Olympicopolis development)
To make it easier and safer to access
new facilities particularly for walking and
cycling, maximising the benefits of local
developments for local residents and
businesses
2018–2022
Regeneration,
Highways
Transport for
London
Key
landowners
e.g. Leyton
Mills, LVRPA
7
Deliver a long-term, sustainable use for
Leyton Cricket Ground
To provide new sports, health, business and
community facilities as part of a sustainable
future for a local important asset
2017–2020
Leisure, Culture,
Property
Regeneration,
Business Support
Local
sports and
community
groups,
funding
bodies
8
Leyton underground station
redevelopment and creation of new
public space
To improve access and capacity of the
underground station and create better
public space
2018–2021
Highways,
Regeneration
Transport for
London
Leyton Mills
landowners
9
Work with TfL on wider programme of
transport improvements, including to bus
network, Leyton Overground Station and
potential new rail station at Ruckholt Road
To further enhance public transport access
to/from Leyton town centre, supporting
business growth, visitor access and resident
journeys
2017–2025
Highways,
Regeneration
Network Rail,
Transport for
London
TOWN CENTRE STRATEGY & DELIVERY PLANS – 2016–2020
CHINGFORD TOWN CENTRE
CHINGFORD
THE OPPORTUNITY
Chingford is an attractive and thriving town centre with a low level of vacant units and an
upscale retail and food and drink offer. Its proximity to Epping Forest further adds to its
character and quality. Further promotion and diversification of the town centre’s retail and
food and drink offer will strengthen its position as a desirable place to live and visit.
C
hingford is situated on the edge of
Epping Forest with good access to
the regional road network and railway
line to Liverpool Street.
It has a distinctly different character to
the south of the borough and its other
town centres, due to the upmarket range
of its retail and food and drink offer and
the relative affluence of the population
DELIVERY PLAN: CHINGFORD
ACTIVITY
living in the town centre and visiting
it. The Council has an opportunity
to improve links between the train
station, high road and leisure activities
at the nearby King George and William
Girling reservoirs, as well as Girwell Park,
conference and wedding venue, camp
sites and golf courses.
WHAT LOCAL PEOPLE HAVE TOLD US
ABOUT CHINGFORD
Chingford residents consulted had
positive views of the quality and
quantity of green space, the ‘village’ feel
of Chingford and the quality of schools.
(Shaping Growth research, January 2016).
However, residents said that they were
concerned about the affordability of
housing, both to rent and to buy.
PURPOSE
TIMINGS
COUNCIL RESOURCE
PARTNERS
1
Promote appropriate, high-quality
evening economy food and drink
outlets
To develop the quality of the evening economy
and increase town centre activity beyond 5pm
2016–2020
Planning Policy,
Regeneration,
Business Support
Local
businesses
2
Improve the layout, access and wayfinding around the train station
To work with Network Rail, Transport for
London and adjacent landowners to bring about
improvements to the station, forecourt and
access/egress from the train station
2017–2020
Regeneration,
Highways
Local
landowners,
Transport
for London,
Network Rail
3
Explore opportunities to improve
access and way-finding between the
town centre, local assets and green
open space
To create a clear and welcoming arrival into the
town centre and clearer links to local businesses
and other assets e.g. Queen Elizabeth Hunting
Lodge, Girwell Conference Centre and Epping
Forest
2017–2020
Regeneration,
Highways
Transport
for London,
Corporation
of London
4
Consider appropriate development of
business space in the town centre
To provide flexible space to accommodate
business growth and attract new employment in
the town.
2017–2020
Regeneration,
Business Team
Transport for
London
TOWN CENTRE STRATEGY & DELIVERY PLANS – 2016–2020
CHINGFORD MOUNT TOWN CENTRE
CHINGFORD MOUNT
THE OPPORTUNITY
Chingford Mount is an important district centre in the north of the borough. The town centre
is performing adequately overall and with targeted support and development could become
a well-functioning centre, serving an increasingly diverse and active local community which is
keen to see the centre thrive.
C
hingford Mount is a relatively large
district centre, which offers a range
of day-to-day convenience services for
local residents. The centre struggles to
compete with the upmarket, boutique
offer of Chingford or with major outof-town comparison and convenience
goods offers to the west and south. This
is reflected in trading levels and vacancy
rates, particularly in the north of the
centre, as well as in local perceptions.
Local groups have established
‘Love South Chingford’, including a
promotional campaign, building on
the area’s increasing food and drink
offer and developing a plan of action
to improve the town centre.
The town centre has benefited from
recent Council investment at Albert
Crescent, but is fairly functional in
appearance and could benefit from
further investment in prominent sites
and buildings as well as the streetscape.
Small-scale, but prominent development
opportunities could provide a significant
improvement to the appeal of the town
centre’s offer. Traffic congestion is an
Residents in Chingford Mount are less
likely than residents in other town
centres to shop in their local high street
(Shaping Growth research, January 2016).
Chingford Mount has the highest shop
vacancy rate of all the borough’s eight
town centres at 11%. There is an active
‘Love South Chingford’ group which
is advocating increased investment in
Chingford Mount and encouraging local
people to use their town centre.
CHINGFORD MOUNT
The Chingford Mount high street scheme carried out in 2013, with a value of
£750,000, focused on Albert Crescent, which connects Hall Lane to Old Church
Road. Home to a large traffic island with a well-used bus stop, Albert Crescent has
a memorial column at its centre which was retained. The works included:
•Improvements to the public space
•Five shopfront facades (three of which were double fronted units) including new
signage and lighting
•The restoration of art deco stonework above the shops
•W
ork to public areas including new granite paving, wider pavements, new seating
and more trees
•Improved road safety measures with new feature lighting.
2016–2020
WHAT LOCAL PEOPLE HAVE TOLD US ABOUT
CHINGFORD MOUNT
CASE STUDY
3
WALTHAM FOREST TOWN CENTRE STRATEGY & DELIVERY PLANS
issue for the centre, which only has buses
as a public transport option.
CHINGFORD MOUNT: DELIVERY PLAN
ACTIVITY
PURPOSE
TIMINGS
COUNCIL RESOURCE PARTNERS
1
Produce development briefs and delivery
plans for key town centre sites
To provide improved new shopping units,
town centre facilities, community facilities
and housing
2016–onwards
Business
Team, Planning
Regeneration,
Property
Landowners
and
developers,
local
businesses,
resident
groups
2
Secure investment for the High Street
and businesses around Old Church
Road through the town centre grants
programme
To make the High Street a more attractive
and successful business environment
2017–2020
Business Team,
Regeneration,
Highways
Local
businesses,
resident
groups
3
Support small food and drink businesses
to become established and grow,
including through proactive planning
policy
To help develop a wider mix of business
in the town centre to increase footfall and
business growth
2017–2020
Business Team,
Regeneration,
Planning Policy
Local
businesses
TOWN CENTRE STRATEGY & DELIVERY PLANS – 2016–2020
BAKERS ARMS TOWN CENTRE
BAKERS ARMS
THE OPPORTUNITY
Bakers Arms is a small district centre, just south of Walthamstow and north of Leyton and
Leytonstone. It plays a secondary role to these larger centres, but continues to carve its own
distinct identity based around a mix of national retailers, small, cheaper independent retailers
and ethnic-led food and drink offer. The town centre has benefited from recent Council-led
investment and has a number of development sites which could help define it as a more
established small town centre in its own right.
B
akers Arms is generally performing
well despite being closer to the
much larger Walthamstow town centre.
DELIVERY PLAN: BAKERS ARMS
ACTIVITY
It has a retail vacancy of 7.1%, which is
below the London average. Tesco is the
dominant anchor store, but the town
centre has a good range of independent
PURPOSE
retailers, generally at the cheaper end
of the spectrum, but which attract a
high footfall.
TIMINGS
COUNCIL RESOURCE PARTNERS
1
Identify and produce development briefs
or action plans for key sites (e.g. vacant
shops, car parks and the bus garage)
To bring back into active use sites which
2016–17
are vacant or do not add to the vibrancy of
the town centre, introducing a mix of town
centre uses, community facilities and housing
Regeneration,
Planning Policy,
Business Team,
Property
2
Undertake an audit of business needs and
develop a support and town centre grant
programme
To support smaller businesses to enable
them to grow, thrive and provide more local
employment
2016–20
Business Team and Local
Regeneration
businesses
3
Expand food and drink offer, focusing on
existing cluster of specialist/ethnic food
and drink and the evening economy
To support the existing businesses and
attract new food and drink businesses
2016–20
Regeneration and
Business Team
Local
businesses
4
Improvements to Tesco store and
entrance
To improve the appearance and functionality 2017–2018
of an important store in the heart of the
town centre
Regeneration
Tesco
Local
businesses,
investors,
landowners,
developers
and Transport
for London
TOWN CENTRE STRATEGY & DELIVERY PLANS – 2016–2020
WOOD STREET TOWN CENTRE
WOOD STREET
THE OPPORTUNITY
Wood Street is home to a range of independent and niche retailers, food and drink businesses
and a growing arts and crafts scene. It is close to Walthamstow but is clearly a distinct centre
with its own unique character. The Marlowe Road estate regeneration will provide a mix of
housing in the town centre and could facilitate wider investment, building on the introduction
of the Overground service and recent Outer London Fund initiatives. The key to the
development of future plans is retaining Wood Street’s character and increasing its desirability
as a place to live and work.
W
ood Street is a unique small
town centre which has become
a location for small independent
businesses, particularly more niche and
boutique retailers and places to eat
and drink. It is home to a growing arts
scene, typified by the work and plans of
Wood Street Walls. It sits comfortably
as a distinct and separate centre from
Walthamstow and Leytonstone, but
with clear connections to arts and
creative activity that is seen in both of
these places, as well as in Blackhorse
Lane. The Council developed an Area
Action Plan for the town centre and
this reached the preferred options
stage, indicating local support for
some regeneration and growth, most
particularly at Marlowe Road and
Fulbourne Road.
Since then, schemes have been delivered
and the Council’s partnership with
Countryside Properties will deliver
the estate regeneration programme
at Marlowe Road. A programme of
Council-led investment in the high street,
shopfronts and business support has also
helped lift the town centre, contributing
to it becoming an increasingly
desirable place to live. There is now an
opportunity for the Council to develop a
comprehensive masterplan that builds
on this investment to ensure Wood Street
retains the unique characteristics that
have made it successful.
WHAT LOCAL PEOPLE HAVE TOLD US ABOUT
WOOD STREET
Residents in Wood Street are the most
positive about their town centre, but
are slightly less satisfied than residents
in other town centres about recent
regeneration initiatives in their area.
(Shaping Growth research, January 2016).
CASE STUDY
•improvements to 44 shopfronts
•treatments to the two Woodside School fences
•ongoing business support in the form of training and marketing opportunities
•locally inspired artwork plus events to encourage residents to use and explore
their local high street.
In 2016 Wood Street has been shortlisted by the Academy of Urbanism for a ‘Great
Street’ Award, one of three High Streets nationally.
3
WALTHAM FOREST TOWN CENTRE STRATEGY & DELIVERY PLANS
Wood Street has received significant Council investment in recent years, along
with funding from Transport for London and the Mayor’s Outer London Fund
between 2012–14. This has helped transform the area’s public spaces and 60 local
businesses have been supported through training, creation of a business forum
website and the rejuvenation of the Wood Street Indoor Market. Local business
grants and a programme of events have resulted, organised with the local
business community. The works included:
2016–2020
WOOD STREET
DELIVERY PLAN: WOOD STREET
ACTIVITY
PURPOSE
TIMINGS
COUNCIL RESOURCE PARTNERS
1
Develop clear planning policy for the
town centre
To establish what type of development
will be permitted, building on a draft Area
Action Plan developed in 2014
2016–2017
Planning Policy,
Regeneration
Local
residents and
businesses
and
developers
2
Develop an exciting creative and cultural
programme
To build on existing successful creative
and cultural offer, to support growth and
employment opportunities
2016 onwards
Culture,
Regeneration
Local cultural
and creative
organisations
3
Enable new spaces for pop-up shops, in
or around the indoor market
To offer business support to independent
retail and artisan businesses and enable
new workspace and artist studios including
at the Council-owned Manual Instruction
Centre
2017–2019
Business Support,
Planning Policy,
Regeneration
Local small,
creative
businesses
4
Develop planning briefs and delivery
plans for key sites
To maximise opportunities for appropriate
growth through a mix of town centre uses,
community and housing development
2017–18
Planning Policy,
Regeneration,
Property
Landowners,
Developers,
investors
and local
businesses
and
organisations
5
Coordinating provision of local health and
community facilities (including at Thorpe
Coombe Hospital)
To ensure that growth is accompanied by
appropriate level of community facilities to
meet local needs
2017–2020
Planning Policy,
Regeneration,
Education and
Highways
NHS,
Education,
Wood Street
First
TOWN CENTRE STRATEGY & DELIVERY PLANS – 2016–2020
HIGHAMS PARK TOWN CENTRE
HIGHAMS PARK
THE OPPORTUNITY
Highams Park is a small centre based around the railway and in close proximity to the green
spaces of Epping Forest. The new Tesco development dominates the centre, but it still manages to
retain its character. The geography of the centre, with the railway line splitting it in half contributes
to traffic congestion and affects how it works as a town centre. However, it has a strong sense of
community, with new residents, a range of small retailers and a real asset in the form of the Regal
Cinema which could develop into a small but important independent-led cultural centre.
H
ighams Park benefits from access
to the London Overground and
in recent years the development of a
large Tesco store and car park in 2012,
increases in housing developments and
other town centre and community uses.
Although this has contributed to its
growth, there have been impacts on
retailers elsewhere in the centre and
some smaller units have remained vacant
over several years.
Committed local groups are working on
a Neighbourhood Forum Plan, which will
help to shape the centre in the coming
years, as well as proposals for the nearby
park and wider engagement, particularly
with young people in the area.
WHAT LOCAL PEOPLE HAVE TOLD US ABOUT
HIGHAMS PARK
Residents in Highams Park use their high
street less frequently than residents in
other town centres. The People Shaping
Places research (May 2016) indicated that
people would like to see a greater variety
of shops in the high street.
DELIVERY PLAN: HIGHAMS PARK
ACTIVITY
PURPOSE
TIMINGS
COUNCIL RESOURCE PARTNERS
1
Improvement programme for town centre
shopfronts using New Homes Bonus
funding
To improve and invest in the business
environment in key locations in the town
centre
2016–2017
Regeneration
Local businesses,
property owners
2
Bring vacant units in key sites back into
use
Supporting the vitality of the town centre by 2017 onwards
bringing retail units into use that have been
vacant for several years
Regeneration,
Business Team
Local businesses,
property owners
3
Coordination with Neighbourhood Forum
and Neighbourhood Plan
To build on and support development of
existing local plans and aspirations
2016 onwards
Regeneration,
Planning Policy
Neighbourhood
Forum and
residents
4
Bring the Regal Cinema back into use
To create a destination for an exciting
cultural, creative and arts programme
2017–onwards
Regeneration,
Planning Policy
Landowner,
developer
5
Facilitate a café or similar community use
in the railway signal box
To bring an interesting building in the heart of 2017–2018
the town centre back into use
Regeneration,
Planning Policy
Local groups,
Network Rail
6
Support the expansion of the food, drink
and evening economy offer
To improve the mix of businesses in the town 2017–onwards
centre and increase footfall beyond 5pm
Regeneration,
Planning Policy
Local businesses
TOWN CENTRE STRATEGY & DELIVERY PLANS 2016–2020
MORE INFORMATION
ECONOMIC GROWTH STRATEGY 2016–2020
www.walthamforest.gov.uk/economicgrowth
WALTHAMSTOW TOWN CENTRE AREA ACTION PLAN (2014)
http://shapingwalthamforest.co.uk/
https://branding.walthamforest.gov.uk/Documents/
Walthamstow%20Town%20Centre%20AAP%20-%20
Adoption%20Version2.pdf
WALTHAM FOREST COUNCIL BUSINESS SUPPORT
WOOD STREET AREA ACTION PLAN, PREFERRED OPTIONS DOCUMENT (2013)
INVEST WALTHAM FOREST
https://branding.walthamforest.gov.uk/Documents/
Wood%20Street%20AAP%20-%20PO%20Stage%20
Web%20version-LR.pdf
BLACKHORSE LANE AREA ACTION PLAN (2015)
https://branding.walthamforest.gov.uk/Documents/
AAP%20adoption%20version.pdf
MORE INFORMATION
WALTHAMSTOW TOWN CENTRE AND LEYTON CORONATION SQUARE
CONSULTATION (2016)
LEYTONSTONE TOWN CENTRE PLACE-SHAPING FRAMEWORK (2016)
https://www.walthamforest.gov.uk/sites/default/
files/16%2002%2012%20Leytonstone%20Town%20
Centre%20Executive%20Summary.pdf
https://www.walthamforest.gov.uk/service-categories/
your-business
www.investwalthamforest.com
LEA BRIDGE AND LEYTON MASTERPLAN
https://www.walthamforest.gov.uk/content/regenerationprojects
Shaping a borough for everybody