High Street and Market Improvements - Phase One

Improvement works begin on site in May 2025

Construction work at The Scene and Rosebank Villas will commence on 6 May 2025. The improvement works will deliver a more accessible, safer and greener public space as an entrance to Walthamstow town centre, and its vibrant and historic High Street.

What's changing?

✅ Better layout - Improvements to the layout and zoning of the space to clearly define vehicle and pedestrian areas, enhancing safety and accessibility

✅ Greener environment - Improving the appearance of the area by introducing new permanent planters, trees and flowers, enhancing biodiversity and ensuring the area is more resistant to climate change.

✅ Upgraded street lighting - improving visibility for a safer night-time experience.

✅ Clearer signage - helping visitors to find transport links, cultural attractions, and local heritage.

✅ New seating & cycle parking - More places for people to sit and better support for local hospitality businesses, as well as facilities for cyclists.

✅ Dedicated delivery bays - Introduction of dedicated motorcycle only loading places for gig-economy delivery riders, with short-stay restrictions to reduce congestion and ensure appropriate turnover.

What are the benefits?

The improvements form part of wider Government-funded investment across Walthamstow Town Centre - 'Culture for all'. The programme supports the council's mission to build a town centre economy that works for all, creating safe and green neighbourhoods where everyone can thrive.

The enhanced public spaces will provide better connections to some of Walthamstow’s key cultural hubs, such as Vestry House Museum, Chestnuts House, and the University of Portsmouth; evening venues, such as Soho Theatre Walthamstow and Forest Cinema; as well as the wide variety of independent High Street businesses and traders. The improvements will drive a further boost in footfall, address community safety and cohesion, and unlock Walthamstow's potential as a more equitable, inclusive and welcoming destination for culture.

The proposals were developed following a consultation with market traders, businesses and community groups in Autumn 2023 to understand their operational needs and identify potential improvements. The designs were refined following safety audits, accessibility appraisals, and feedback from the local community in Spring 2024. For more information on the engagement the council have carried out with the local community and key stakeholders, see the Engagement Report.

What to expect

🔹Construction works are estimated to start on 6 May, lasting a period of approximately seven to ten months overall

🔹Works will take place in phases to minimise disruption

🔹All businesses and Walthamstow Market will remain open as usual

🔹Access will remain for pedestrians, as well as essential vehicles including emergency services, waste collection and deliveries

🔹Temporary traffic orders and parking suspensions will be implemented on Cleveland Park Avenue during construction

🔹Regular updates will be provided

Further information on the construction programme, phasing and access strategy can be found via the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), which respond to some of the key concerns you may have.

We appreciate your patience and co-operation during this period. Should you have any further questions on the project or upcoming works, please contact the Area Regeneration team via the details on this page.

Improvement works begin on site in May 2025

Construction work at The Scene and Rosebank Villas will commence on 6 May 2025. The improvement works will deliver a more accessible, safer and greener public space as an entrance to Walthamstow town centre, and its vibrant and historic High Street.

What's changing?

✅ Better layout - Improvements to the layout and zoning of the space to clearly define vehicle and pedestrian areas, enhancing safety and accessibility

✅ Greener environment - Improving the appearance of the area by introducing new permanent planters, trees and flowers, enhancing biodiversity and ensuring the area is more resistant to climate change.

✅ Upgraded street lighting - improving visibility for a safer night-time experience.

✅ Clearer signage - helping visitors to find transport links, cultural attractions, and local heritage.

✅ New seating & cycle parking - More places for people to sit and better support for local hospitality businesses, as well as facilities for cyclists.

✅ Dedicated delivery bays - Introduction of dedicated motorcycle only loading places for gig-economy delivery riders, with short-stay restrictions to reduce congestion and ensure appropriate turnover.

What are the benefits?

The improvements form part of wider Government-funded investment across Walthamstow Town Centre - 'Culture for all'. The programme supports the council's mission to build a town centre economy that works for all, creating safe and green neighbourhoods where everyone can thrive.

The enhanced public spaces will provide better connections to some of Walthamstow’s key cultural hubs, such as Vestry House Museum, Chestnuts House, and the University of Portsmouth; evening venues, such as Soho Theatre Walthamstow and Forest Cinema; as well as the wide variety of independent High Street businesses and traders. The improvements will drive a further boost in footfall, address community safety and cohesion, and unlock Walthamstow's potential as a more equitable, inclusive and welcoming destination for culture.

The proposals were developed following a consultation with market traders, businesses and community groups in Autumn 2023 to understand their operational needs and identify potential improvements. The designs were refined following safety audits, accessibility appraisals, and feedback from the local community in Spring 2024. For more information on the engagement the council have carried out with the local community and key stakeholders, see the Engagement Report.

What to expect

🔹Construction works are estimated to start on 6 May, lasting a period of approximately seven to ten months overall

🔹Works will take place in phases to minimise disruption

🔹All businesses and Walthamstow Market will remain open as usual

🔹Access will remain for pedestrians, as well as essential vehicles including emergency services, waste collection and deliveries

🔹Temporary traffic orders and parking suspensions will be implemented on Cleveland Park Avenue during construction

🔹Regular updates will be provided

Further information on the construction programme, phasing and access strategy can be found via the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), which respond to some of the key concerns you may have.

We appreciate your patience and co-operation during this period. Should you have any further questions on the project or upcoming works, please contact the Area Regeneration team via the details on this page.