Town centres at the heart of creating a prosperous and vibrant Waltham Forest

You wanted town centres that reflect the uniqueness of Waltham Forest and that present a different offering to places such as Stratford.

Some of the key issues you raised were:

  • Walthamstow market has deteriorated and you want to see improvements made
  • Some town centres are dirty and feel unsafe at night
  • Too many fast food outlets and they create too much litter
  • Too many low quality shops and a lack of choice

“Talking about fast food outlets ... I’ve never seen so many; who gives permission for so many of the same sort to open up?”

Resident, Ipsos MORI Workshop

Enhancing our cultural and leisure offer

Access to green spaces was considered a positive selling point of the Borough. However, a common theme throughout the consultations was the need to improve our cultural offer and to make sure there is a cinema in the Borough.

“I’d like to see more entertainment in the Borough – more music, more comedy, more shows, and a cinema!”

Resident, Roadshow

Getting the most out of education and our schools and colleges

Good secondary schools were identified as essential for developing our young people and for supporting our young families to prosper in the Borough.

“The Borough to be a destination of choice for housing, schools and fun”

Resident, Roadshow

Making the most of employment opportunities

You were prepared to travel outside of the Borough to work but still wanted to see opportunities for small businesses to set up and grow in and around our town centres.

“We need better planning controls to encourage higher quality retail to our town centres”

Resident, Leyton and Whipps Cross Community Council

Improve housing quality and choice

Concerns were raised about the availability of affordable family homes and the number of homes converted into flats.

There was a desire to ensure that high quality design was a feature of new developments.

“I have lived here for 7 years now and the Borough is improving each year”

Resident, Roadshow


The findings from our discussions with residents and stakeholders have informed Waltham Forest’s Sustainable Community Strategy.

» View the Sustainable Community Strategy