Lying directly over the Victoria Line, the technical challenges of this proposal have required a detailed consideration of a range of options for achieving the intended mixed-use development of the existing retail asset.

Working closely with the council’s ‘Placemaking’ specialists, the project envisages the creation of a new Town Square for Walthamstow, improving links and creating a high-quality environment for a range of activities. The main residential entrance will be directly off this new public square, via a generous hotel-style lobby that will then transport residents up to the residential amenity deck above the retail element that will feature lush gardens for communal use along a high quality journey home.

The strategy of splitting the two largest residential masses at the core has had the effect of creating four independent elements, each with slender proportions. The varied arrangement of these is the result of a careful townscape assessment from sensitive locations identified by the local planners. A further benefit has been that the majority of residential units now enjoy dual aspects, increasing the quality and value of the residential accommodation.

Encouraging initial discussions with Waltham Forest Borough Council are ongoing, including a desire on their behalf to create a landmark that will help to rebrand the shopping centre, Walthamstow and the entire Borough.