Walthamstow High Street Phase 2 Improvements
As part of the ‘Walthamstow: Culture for All’ UK Government Funded, Local Regeneration Fund Programme, we are creating a safer, greener, and more inclusive High Street for everyone.
The High Street Phase 2 improvements follow the successful completion of Phase 1 at the east end of the High Street which were completed in March 2026.
Phase 2 improvements including new seating and planting will include three main locations at Buxton Road, Palmerston Road and Selborne Avenue, as well as smaller changes along the length of the High Street from Pretoria Avenue at the west end of the high street to Walthamstow Library at the east end.
Overview of public space improvements locations in delivery as part of the High Street Programme
What’s changing?
We carried out a series of engagement events and surveys with residents, businesses and market traders to develop plans to improve the High Street in 2024. Our plans for the High Street build on this feedback, and include the following improvements:
- Increasing green space – new trees and drought resistant planting to create healthier, greener spaces which improve biodiversity.
- Improved safety and accessibility – improved lighting, paving and signage, and creating spaces for people to stop and rest to make the High Street more inclusive.
- New seating and play – new benches and perch points to create more places for people to sit, improved cycle parking and informal play for children.
- Supporting businesses and Market Traders – making it easier to walk, cycle and spend more time on the High Street to increase visitor numbers.
- Improving signage and artworks – celebrating the area’s unique heritage and culture including the world-famous Walthamstow Market.
Walthamstow High Street and Market, May 2025. Image credit: Dead Ready Productions.
What to expect?
- High Street Phase 2 improvement works will started in August 2026 with new planting and seating installed in Walthamstow High Street.
- Public space improvements at Palmerston Road are anticipated to start first in Autumn 2026 with Selborne Avenue and Buxton Road following shortly after. The public space improvements are due to complete in Spring 2027.
- Site works will be phased to minimise disruption with all businesses able to remain open as usual and pedestrian access to the High Street maintained at all times.
- There will be some temporary and permanent changes to market stall locations to allow work to be carried out safely and create safer and greener spaces for pedestrians.
- Regular updates and FAQs will be provided on the Let’s Talk website. We hope to publish this information shortly following contact with residents and businesses to inform the phasing and delivery.
- A High Street Phase 2 construction drop-in event will take place in September 2026 to discuss any questions or concerns on access or phasing.
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 at regeneration@walthamforest.gov.uk
Phase 2 High Street planting will expand on the planting already installed during the Phase 1 works photographed here in 2026. Image credit: Meristem Design.
What are the benefits?
The improvement works to the High Street will make the area more inclusive through better signage, paving and lighting, providing seating at regular intervals for people to rest and space for children to play. The improvements will also support the businesses along the High Street and market traders by encouraging more people to visit and spend longer in the area.
Where can I find out more?
For further information on individual sites, please visit the Let’s Talk Pages below.
Walthamstow High Street Phase 2:
High Street new planting and seating
https://talk.walthamforest.gov.uk/high-street-planting-and-seating
Palmerston Road Junction
https://talk.walthamforest.gov.uk/palmerston-road-junction
Selborne Avenue
https://talk.walthamforest.gov.uk/selborne-avenue
Buxton Road Play Street
https://talk.walthamforest.gov.uk/buxton-road-play-street
High Street Phase 1
https://talk.walthamforest.gov.uk/area-1-the-scene-rosebank-villas
Courtenay Place and St James Street Station
https://talk.walthamforest.gov.uk/st-james-quarter
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Buxton Road E17 is part of the Walthamstow ‘Culture for All’ Government Funded Programme to improve Walthamstow High Street and Market, making it safer, more inclusive, more active, and greener for the local community. A series of community engagement events were carried out throughout 2024 and early 2025 to inform the project proposal. Further details of the project and feedback from the engagement can be found via our Let’s Talk Waltham Forest site at https://talk.walthamforest.gov.uk/high-street-public-realm-improvements
Students from Mission Grove School have worked with us to develop ideas for informal play opportunities, and a safer route to and from school. These improvements will require the removal of some existing car park spaces and closure of Buxton Road to vehicles. These improvement works are due to be undertaken in late 2025
We are creating a new play street in Buxton Road. We would like to learn how you use Buxton Road and how the impact of the proposed road closure might affect you. Please refer to the information board below:
Please complete the survey by Friday 22 August 2025 5pm.
