The transformation of Walthamstow’s Marlowe Road estate continues to deliver for local residents, and this summer, we’re focussing on five brand-new four-bedroom social houses that have just been completed and handed over to us. While there's a significant demand for larger family-sized social housing, the delivery of four-bedroom homes for social rent is challenging due to factors including limited land availability and funding constraints.
Delivered with Countryside Partnerships, part of the Vistry Group, these homes mark a major milestone in the final phase of the regeneration project, which has been reshaping the Wood Street area since 2016. Available to families on the Housing Register and living in temporary accommodation, the new homes offer space, comfort, and security – right in the heart of a thriving community.
Built for modern family life
These thoughtfully designed homes come packed with features to support busy families, including generous living and storage space, private gardens, energy-efficient design features to help keep bills low, modern kitchens and bathrooms, large windows and bright and welcoming interiors. Construction work continues on the estate, and once completed, these homes will be set within a pedestrian-friendly neighbourhood, featuring tree-lined streets, landscaped footpaths, and improved links to Wood Street and Shernhall Street.
Regeneration that goes beyond housing
Regeneration at Marlowe Road is more than just new homes; it’s about inclusive growth and creating a vibrant place to live. So far, the project has delivered on a range of new facilities, including the new Wood Street Library, a Co-op food store, a Post Office, a public plaza, a children’s playground and a multi-use games area. An Energy Centre and District Heating Network provides cost-effective heating and hot water across the development, as well as to Northwood Tower, Walnut Court and soon the nearby Stocksfield Road estate.
Councillor Ahsan Khan, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration, said, “I was delighted to preview the council house for social rent and wish the new tenants every happiness as they settle in. These four-bedroom homes are more than just bricks and mortar – they are a lifeline for families who’ve been waiting for the space, security, and stability they deserve. Four-bedroom social homes are incredibly rare, so delivering these properties is a significant achievement and a reflection of our commitment to tackling the housing crisis head on by meeting the needs of larger households.
“In 2022, we completed six new council homes on Pinder Road, including one that was fully adapted for residents with additional needs. These new homes at Marlowe Road build on that success and show how we’re continuing to deliver for our communities.
“Following the handover of these homes, we’ll be delivering 42 more social rent apartments this autumn, and an additional 18 by spring 2026. Tackling the housing crisis is a key pillar of our Mission Waltham Forest strategy. With 589 new homes being delivered through this regeneration scheme - 44 per cent of which are affordable – we’re making real progress. This is just the beginning - over the next 10 years, we plan to build more than 3,000 new homes across the borough. The Marlowe Road regeneration is a great example of what we can achieve through strong partnerships and a shared commitment to our residents.”
