Waltham Forest invests in new homes and vital local services
Image courtesy of GB Carnival. Photography credit Vicki Couchman.
Waltham Forest is delivering major improvements for residents despite significant financial pressures facing councils across the country.
To tackle the housing crisis head-on, the council continues to deliver the high-quality, affordable homes residents need. Since 2021/22, 1,969 new homes have been completed through direct council investment, and the council is forecast to deliver a total of 3,209 new homes by 2029/30, including 1,924 affordable properties available for social rent, affordable rent or shared ownership.
Major regeneration schemes have progressed significantly this year, including new family sized homes at Marlowe Road Estate, Hepworth Place at Fellowship Square, and Priory Court. Construction also started to deliver the new Crematorium at Chingford Mount.
Local regeneration is also creating opportunities for residents, with the opening of Soho Theatre Walthamstow supporting 180 new jobs and bringing thousands of visitors into the borough. Improvements to parks, cultural venues and sports facilities have continued, including refurbished tennis courts at Rolls Park Sports Ground in Highams Park, a new play area at Lloyd Park, and upgrades to Vestry House Museum in Walthamstow.
Investment in schools remains a priority, with the Schools Capital Programme delivering works to maintain our school buildings, enhance teaching spaces and increase Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) provision across the borough.
Councillor Ahsan Khan, Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration said: “These achievements across the year come at a challenging time for local government and I’m proud of what we’ve delivered for residents. Rising demand for statutory services, increasing operating costs, and limited national funding mean councils nationwide are under severe financial strain but despite this and national challenges in the construction industry—such as rising costs, skills shortages and tougher regulation—the outlook for 2026 is improving and we’re looking forward to progressing on the council’s major investment programmes as we begin the new financial year.”
Waltham Forest remains one of London’s most diverse boroughs, home to nearly 280,000 residents, rich heritage, extensive green and blue spaces, and thriving local centres. By combining long term planning with targeted investment, the council remains focused on delivering high-quality services, protecting the most vulnerable, and ensuring the borough continues to be a great place to live.