Town centres and high streets

Leytonstone is Waltham Forest's second largest town centre and home to a vibrant and diverse community surrounded by green spaces on the edge of Epping Forest. It has excellent transport links, with the Central line and an Overground line running through the heart of the town centre. 

The area is packed with independent shops, makers and artists as well as popular local pubs, cafes and restaurants. The Leytonstone Town Team, a local group of residents and businesses, work with the Council to help guide improvements to the area and provide support for local businesses. 

The Council also supports town centre with the promotion of events during the summer and the winter. You can find out more about events on the Council-run website at Leytonstoneevents.co.uk.

A draft Leytonstone Town Centre Framework has been produced by the Council to help realise and guide investment and improvements in Leytonstone over the next 15 years. The framework is being refined to incorporate local aspirations following two rounds of engagement. 

View the Leytonstone Town Centre Framework proposals.

Our ambition is for Leytonstone to become an exemplary sustainable town centre, with a vibrant, sustainable and accessible town centre which meets the needs of its residents and visitors. The plan will include investment in walking, cycling, green spaces and public space around the Central line and Overground stations, continuing to tackling the impacts of climate change. 

South Leytonstone includes Cann Hall and Cathall Wards in the southernmost part of the borough.

The High Road runs from Leytonstone town centre to the border with Newham, Stratford, the Olympic Park and East Bank, with new Crossrail stations nearby at Maryland, Forest Gate, and at Leyton tube station which will be improved by 2026 as part of our Levelling Up Fund programme with TfL.

Located at the southernmost point of the borough, South Leytonstone is a key gateway into Waltham Forest. A variety of small, independent shops trace the length of Leytonstone High Road through the neighbourhood’s centre.   

The area is served directly by Leytonstone High Road Overground, with underground stations located a short walk away. The introduction of Crossrail at Maryland Station is transforming local transport links, with a frequent service running into Central London. 

South Leytonstone is the historical heart of the south of the borough and has a strong and active local community. South Leytonstone's diverse community has contributed to the area's unique character and strong community spirit. 

The Council has carried out two stages of public engagement in 2022 and 2023, which has shaped the South Leytonstone Area Framework. Residents have told us how much they value the community spirit in South Leytonstone, and they are keen to see more greening and planting along South Leytonstone High Road. 

Read the South Leytonstone Framework engagement feedback on Commonplace.

The Toy Library in Langthorne Park Pavilion has improved use of the park and play space and improved community safety. Improvements have also been made to public spaces and planting in Jubilee Garden opposite Langthorne Park with a community planting day and information board installed in 2023. 

Our plans for 2024 include a project to install artwork funded through developer contributions, and the return of the successful Langthorne Park Community Festival in June 2024, produced in collaboration with local community and faith groups.