TOWN CENTRE STRATEGY & DELIVERY PLANS

Transcription

1 TOWN CENTRE STRATEGY & DELIVERY PLANS CHINGFORD Stansted Airport 32mins by road Chingford CHINGFORD MOUNT HIGHAMS PARK Highams Park To Tottenham Hale 3mins by tube Blackhorse Road St James Street Walthamstow WALTHAMSTOW Walthamstow Central Walthamstow Queens Road WOOD STREET Wood Street Major road links M11, A12, M25 6mins BAKERS ARMS LEYTONSTONE Central London 15mins by tube Lea Bridge Leyton Midland Road Leytonstone Leytonstone High Road LEYTON THE CREATIVE CHOICE Waltham Forest east London To the Olympic Park 6mins by road Canary Wharf 15mins by road Eton Manor Leyton London City Airport 19mins by road

2 TOWN CENTRE STRATEGY & DELIVERY PLANS CONTENTS 1. FOREWORD from Cllr Coghill, Lead Member for Economic Growth and High Streets PURPOSE OF THIS DOCUMENT ECONOMIC GROWTH STRATEGY our vision for economic growth in Waltham Forest SNAPSHOT how are the borough s town centres performing? RECENT INVESTMENT IN TOWN CENTRES OBJECTIVES: what we want to achieve INVOLVING LOCAL RESIDENTS, BUSINESSES AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS THE COUNCIL S ROLE TOWN CENTRE DELIVERY PLANS...11 TOWN CENTRE INSERTS Walthamstow LEYTONSTONE LEYTON CHINGFORD CHINGFORD MOUNT BAKERS ARMS Wood STREET HIGHAMS PARK MORE INFORMATION

3 1. FOREWORD FROM CLLR COGHILL, LEAD MEMBER FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH AND HIGH STREETS Our borough has transformed over the past six years and is continuing to experience unprecedented levels of growth. With this change we have seen significant increases in the number of jobs and businesses in the borough and thriving arts and creative industries which have contributed to our unique cultural identity and the transformation of our town centres. The Council has ambitious plans to build on this success and deliver further economic growth for the borough, which is set out in the Council s Economic Growth Strategy The Town Centre Strategy document forms one of the five themes in the Economic Growth Strategy. It sets out how we plan to achieve growth in our eight largest town centres to make them even better places to live, work and have fun. Our town centres are fantastic, vibrant and distinct places and the individual delivery plans describe the set of actions we propose to address the unique issues and opportunities each centre faces over the next few years. We will continue to work closely with businesses in our town centres to give them the support they need to prosper. We are committed to promoting and investing in our town centres to keep wealth in the borough and give residents access to high quality employment and the quality and mix of shopping and services that they expect. From setting up business networks and improving shop fronts in Leyton and Bakers Arms to facilitating the creation of new workspaces in Blackhorse Lane, we are working with our town centres to deliver new and cultural hubs such as the Central Parade creative space, bakery and café in Walthamstow. Many exciting developments around the public realm have launched in the last few years such as The Scene and the Heritage Lottery Fund historic building conservation project in St James Street. Several others are in the pipeline, for example, re-opening the EMD theatre in Walthamstow, delivering new and cultural spaces in Leytonstone, investing in our vibrant street markets and evening leisure offer and creating more public and green spaces in town centres. The Council has been working on the development of major sites in Blackhorse Lane and master planning for Leyton and Lea Bridge which will result in the emergence of two new town centres in the borough. The Council has also set out ambitious plans to see 12,000 affordable homes built in the borough by 2020, while ensuring that the infrastructure is provided to give all residents access to the services they need such as schools, GP services and good public transport. We are also clear about our ambition to put residents at the heart of decision making about investment in town centres and will develop ways to engage local people in our plans. We are confident that our strategy will enable Waltham Forest to be resilient and continue to progress and deliver our ambitious plans growth in our town centres. These are exciting times for Waltham Forest and we look forward to working closely with our partners and residents to deliver on our vision. Cllr Clare Coghill Cabinet Lead Portfolio Member Economic Growth and High Streets

4 WALTHAM FOREST TOWN CENTRE STRATEGY & DELIVERY PLANS 2. PURPOSE OF THIS DOCUMENT This document sets out the Council s vision for the borough s town centres and describes the actions the Council will take with its partners to support investment and growth in these locations. Our aim is to support and promote retail, business, cultural, leisure and residential investment in the borough s town centres that recognises their unique identities and invests in their futures. This is intended to be a practical, delivery-focused document which will result in visible improvements to the borough s eight largest town centres. The measures of success we will use are: 1. reduction in retail vacancy rates 2. improvement in business satisfaction surveys The strategy cannot be delivered by the Council alone and is dependent on close collaboration with key partners such as the Greater London Authority (GLA) and Transport for London (TfL). It also requires local business, where appropriate, to contribute to improvements in their premises, business practices and in the wider town centre environment. The strategy and delivery plans build on the Economic Growth Strategy which was approved by the Council s Cabinet in June 2016 and is available on the Council s website. 3. increased resident use of town centres and improved satisfaction surveys 4. increased business survival rate 5. increased average pay of jobs in Waltham Forest The vision and overall town centre strategy is described, followed by individual standalone Delivery Plans, which address the specific opportunities and challenges in each town centre.

5 3. ECONOMIC GROWTH STRATEGY OUR VISION FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH IN WALTHAM FOREST The Economic Growth strategy outlines how the Council will use its powers and influence to guide economic growth and how the Council will work together with partners to realise the economic opportunities for the borough to ensure prosperity and a good quality of life for residents and businesses. The Economic Growth Strategy sets out the Council s vision for economic growth: We will maximise the opportunity of Waltham Forest s unique place in London to help our economy grow and thrive, enabling residents to enjoy sustainable prosperity and an improved quality of life The Strategy sets out the Council s role in supporting growth under five key themes which are fundamental to delivering economic growth in the borough: Business we will keep, seed and grow businesses in the borough to ensure Waltham Forest s economy thrives and overall productivity increases Town Centres we will support and promote retail, business, cultural, leisure and residential investment in our town centres that recognises their unique identities and invests in their future Homes we will aim to build 12,000 new homes by 2020, including 50% affordable homes, creating great places to live Employment and skills we will make sure local people have the skills and ability to access high-quality employment in the borough and across London 5 Infrastructure we will ensure that growth supports the delivery of new facilities and infrastructure across the borough

6 4. SNAPSHOT HOW ARE THE BOROUGH S TOWN CENTRES PERFORMING? Recent business and retail studies (Waltham Forest Business Survey, 2015 and Retail Needs Study, 2016) have shown that none of the borough s main town centres are particularly struggling, with all centres meeting day-to-day convenience and local shopping needs for their residents. The studies identified that there is significant capacity for more convenience (day-to-day shopping) and comparison (more expensive, infrequent purchases), predominantly in the south of the borough. Waltham Forest s town centres in total account for 22% of borough wide employment and accommodate 18% of the borough s businesses. Town centres contain around 1,200 businesses and 13,700 jobs. The largest of these is Walthamstow with 380 businesses and around 3,070 jobs. Waltham Forest s town centres are growing employment hubs and residents continue to demand more of our town centres in terms of choice and quality of retail provision and a broader cultural and leisure offer. plans focus on Walthamstow, alongside the borough s seven District Centres: Leytonstone, Leyton, Chingford, Chingford Mount, Bakers Arms, Wood Street, and Highams Park. There are several important smaller centres and neighbourhood shopping parades in the borough, including: South Leytonstone High Road Francis Road, Leyton South Chingford (Old Church Road) Markhouse Corner, Lea Bridge Road Billet Road, Higham Hill The Council will assess where specific action and investment plans are required for these smaller centres and parades with the greatest need alongside the town centres covered in this strategy WALTHAM FOREST TOWN CENTRE STRATEGY & DELIVERY PLANS Walthamstow is the major town centre in the borough in terms of economic performance, floorspace and number of retail units. The strategy and delivery

7 5. RECENT INVESTMENT IN TOWN CENTRES In the last few years, the Council and its partners have invested in several town centre programmes to create new housing, shopping and commercial areas including: Walthamstow s award-winning Scene, Empire cinema development and high street improvements Shop front, public realm improvements and street art programmes in Leyton, Leytonstone, Wood Street, Francis Road, Chingford Mount and Blackhorse Road A 2.9m major restoration and high street improvement programme in St James Street with Heritage Lottery Funding which will be completed in summer 2017 Development of major new sites for housing and workspaces in Blackhorse Lane and Lea Bridge There are now exciting opportunities to continue to grow and diversify the borough s residential, shopping, leisure, arts and cultural offers to make Waltham Forest s town centres great places to live, work, do business and access leisure and culture.

8 6. OBJECTIVES: WHAT WE WANT TO ACHIEVE This section sets out the framework for achieving our vision for the borough s town centres from 2016 to 2020, through a clear set of actions which address the specific needs of each of the eight town centres. A. MEET THE DEMAND FOR NEW HIGH STREET BUSINESSES The borough s town centres represent major opportunities for continued growth, investment, employment, economic diversification and development of local supply chains. There is demand and capacity in town centres for large chains, independent retail space, pop-up shops and creative workspace. The largest proposal is Capital & Regional s plan to redevelop The Mall in Walthamstow, with the potential to create an additional 8,000m2 of space for shops, cafes, restaurants and bars. Recent retail studies also suggest that many of the borough s town centres could benefit from an increase in their café, restaurant and evening offer. B. STRENGTHEN THE STREET MARKETS Waltham Forest s town centres are an established location for street markets, most famously in Walthamstow. As the borough s economy diversifies and new residents move in, there is growing interest in establishing new markets, providing food, drink and high quality arts and crafts. Markets are also a realistic entry point for small new businesses which can support local entrepreneurs. C. GROWTH IN THE CREATIVE AND CULTURAL SECTORS The borough has established itself as a location for creative and cultural activity and is experiencing growth in employment and demand for creative and cultural industry workspace. These sectors have a vital role in supporting the borough s town centres, bringing innovation and interest to the borough s high streets and strengthening the evening leisure and entertainment offer. There is relatively little in terms of a high-end cultural offer in the borough (theatres, galleries, venues etc.), but there are opportunities to refurbish existing buildings or create new spaces, including the proposed 1,000 seat auditorium at the former EMD Granada Cinema in Walthamstow, the re-opening of the Regal Cinema in Highams Park and replacement of an established music venue at The Standard in Blackhorse Lane. D. STIMULATING THE LEISURE AND EVENING ECONOMIES Waltham Forest s town centres currently have a limited evening economy offer. However, clusters of activity are developing in Walthamstow, Leyton and Leytonstone, with food, drink, culture and entertainment. The borough s leisure offer could be expanded, including developing existing facilities in Lea Bridge. Gaps in the offer remain, with local demand for additional facilities such as a bowling alley. The introduction of the night tube in August 2016 strengthens the offer in Walthamstow, Leyton and Leytonstone town centres, as well as at Blackhorse Lane, as all are now served by regular underground services throughout Friday and Saturday nights. E. PROMOTING TOWN CENTRES AND CREATING A DESTINATION The Council will play its part in promoting and marketing town centres, raising their profile as destinations for visitors, shoppers and investors. Part of this programme will be creating welcoming gateways into town centres, through clear way-finding and attractive routes from arrival points to key shopping areas and visitor attractions. This will involve close working with partners such as Transport for London and existing businesses WALTHAM FOREST TOWN CENTRE STRATEGY & DELIVERY PLANS

9 F. INCREASED TOWN CENTRE HOUSING The Council has a target of 12,000 new homes to be built or under construction in the borough by This includes designated Housing Zones at Blackhorse, Lea Bridge and Leyton where 5,000 new homes are planned, as well as major growth in Walthamstow town centre which has potential for over 2,000 new homes. The Council will also provide a mix of new housing on its own sites, such as Central Parade and Juniper House in Walthamstow town centre and the SCORE Centre in Leyton. The Council wants to ensure that town centres are great places to live; a mix of new housing, shopping and leisure uses bring opportunities for existing and new residents to benefit from new facilities and new employment opportunities. It also presents challenges, for example in balancing residents needs with an expansion in the evening economy. G. INCREASING LOCAL EMPLOYMENT One of the key reasons the Council is supporting growth in the town centres is that it will generate employment and training opportunities. The Council will particularly welcome growth in key sectors such as creative, cultural, digital, technical and urban services which can generate high quality jobs and will make sure local residents are able to access these opportunities, which will contribute to tackling poverty. H. CREATING NEW CENTRES The Council is leading plans, working with the GLA, developers and stakeholders, to create two new centres at Blackhorse Lane and Lea Bridge. The area immediately around Blackhorse Road station is being transformed with a mix of housing, commercial and community space, with a strong focus on independent shops, cultural and creative industry space, supporting the wider Creative Enterprise Zone initiative. With the re-opening of Lea Bridge station in May 2016, the Council is drawing up plans to create a new centre, introducing residential, community and leisure facilities including on sites in its ownership alongside the area s established businesses. Separate delivery plans will be drawn up for these two new centres, building on the adopted Area Action Plan for Blackhorse Lane (available on the Council s website) and the emerging Masterplan for Lea Bridge and Leyton.

10 7. INVOLVING LOCAL RESIDENTS, BUSINESSES AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS As the borough changes, it is critical that local people are involved in the ambitious plans for growth. The Council has started comprehensive engagement, with borough-wide analysis, specific area-based engagement and consultation. This has shown that residents genuinely enjoy living in Waltham Forest and there is evidence of real loyalty to the borough. The borough s high streets are well used and appreciated during the day time and residents enjoy a range of local leisure and entertainment activities for which there are good facilities. However, there is a growing need to develop the evening economy and expand the cultural offer, as well as ensure there is sufficient social infrastructure to cope with the increased demand generated by growth (Shaping Growth Research by Bright Blue, January 2016). The Council will also continue to work closely with key London-wide stakeholders such as the Greater London Authority (GLA) and Transport for London (TfL), local business partnerships, traders associations, development trusts, landowners, developers and investors to co-ordinate and focus growth and ensure that the local community benefits of growth are maximised WALTHAM FOREST TOWN CENTRE STRATEGY & DELIVERY PLANS It is important that stakeholders including businesses and property owners also contribute to maintaining and improving the borough s town centres. The Council can facilitate this partnership, but cannot do this alone.

11 8. THE COUNCIL S ROLE The Council has multiple roles to play and tools at its disposal in continuing to support and enhance the borough s town centres: a. Town centre management: the Council undertakes a range of services across the borough s town centres, coordinating with other public services, to ensure they remain safe, clean and inclusive places for residents, businesses and visitors. This strategy sets out how these services will be coordinated, including formal partnerships with businesses that could be introduced. b. Planning authority: planning policy provides the Council with a robust framework for determining planning applications in support of the growth of the borough s town centres. It also allows the Council to assess where a town centre s offer could be diversified, such as introducing more food, drink, workspace, leisure or housing uses. c. Enforcement: the Council will focus enforcement action on businesses which are in breach of planning regulations, environmental health, licencing laws, which fail to meet trading standards or which are a persistent cause of nuisance or anti-social behaviour in town centres. It will consider implementing appropriate campaigns or programmes such as Scores on the Doors to encourage the highest standards of business practice. d. Infrastructure provider: the Council works with partners such as Transport for London, the NHS and utility companies to provide services and facilities for residents. This strategy will allow investment to be coordinated, and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and section 106 funding to be focused on new infrastructure, including Council-led initiatives such as creating freeto-access WiFi networks. e. Business support: the Council has developed business support projects such as shop front improvement schemes, pop up shop opportunities and business advice and training. The Economic Growth Strategy sets out a wider programme of investment and support the Council will be providing to existing businesses as well as new businesses looking to locate in the borough. f. Landowner and developer: the Council owns a range of property across the borough s town centres. Plans are being developed for key sites, with opportunities under consideration, building on the Council s lead in delivering the award-winning Scene development in Walthamstow which has delivered a cinema, restaurants and new housing in a prominent town centre location. g. Investor: the Council has invested heavily in improvements to the borough s town centres in the last five years and this will continue. Direct investment sits alongside the Council s role coordinating spend of section 106 funding, Community Infrastructure Levy and the potential for targeted use of business rates revenue. The Council also has a strong track record of securing funding for investing in its town centres including from the GLA, TfL and Heritage Lottery Fund. h. Promoter: the Council is well-placed to promote the offers and opportunities of the borough s town centres. The Council has launched the Shaping Waltham Forest and Creative Choice campaign and the Invest Waltham Forest programme, all geared up to showcase the borough and its major centres.

12 9. TOWN CENTRE DELIVERY PLANS This section describes activity which is common to all eight town centres, followed by stand-alone customised delivery plans for each town centre. DELIVERY PLAN: ALL TOWN CENTRES ACTIVITY PURPOSE TIMINGS COUNCIL RESOURCE PARTNERS 1 Town Centre Promotion: launch Waltham Forest Business Offer and Top 20 Business Forum To support growth and investment in our unique town centres and to work with larger businesses on their corporate social responsibility programmes 2016 onwards Regeneration, Neighbourhood Management/Street Trading, Business Team Local businesses 2 Offer business support in key growth sectors To support small businesses particularly in the creative and cultural industries, urban services, food & drink, independent retail and the evening economy, including maximising the impact of the night tube from August onwards Business Team, Communications Local businesses 3 Invest funding and resources where it is most needed and can have the greatest impact for residents and businesses To secure community benefits and deliver improvement programmes in parts of the town centre that need investment, e.g. through business contributions, Section 106 (planning gain) funding, external funding applications, town centre grants or crowd funding 4 Town Centre Management To establish a town centre management programme to co-ordinate developments and business support activity, specifically in Walthamstow during the period of regeneration, but potentially rolling out to other town centres, to ensure town centres are safe, clean and inclusive 2016 onwards Regeneration, Business Team, Highways 2017 onwards Regeneration, Neighbourhood Management/Street Trading, Business Team Local businesses, Community groups Local businesses, community groups, property owners WALTHAM FOREST TOWN CENTRE STRATEGY & DELIVERY PLANS 5 Protecting and expanding employment uses in town centres To ensure that commercial and workspaces are made available which are flexible enough to meet the future needs of business 2016 onwards Planning Policy, Development Management and Regeneration through Town Centre Programme Boards Developers, businesses, utilities and transport providers

13 DELIVERY PLAN: ALL TOWN CENTRES (CONTINUED) ACTIVITY PURPOSE TIMINGS COUNCIL RESOURCE PARTNERS 6 Co-ordination of infrastructure delivery and increased capacity to support growth To deliver public infrastructure, e.g. transport, utilities, open spaces, broadband, new leisure facilities and other improvements to town centres 7 Better utilisation of third party assets To make better use of land and assets owned by third parties such as Network Rail, Transport for London including vacant, underused land and railway arches for commercial, community, town centre and residential development 2016 onwards Planning Policy, Development Management and Regeneration 2016 onwards Regeneration, Property Utilities and transport providers Landowners

14 TOWN CENTRE STRATEGY & DELIVERY PLANS WALTHAMSTOW WALTHAMSTOW TOWN CENTRE

15 THE OPPORTUNITY Strengthen Walthamstow s position as the borough s major town centre through significant growth and diversification of its retail, food and drink, leisure, culture, evening economy offer, alongside the development of new business space and homes, supported by improvements to public space and community infrastructure. 05 mission grove 02 high street & market 03 hoe street/ high street 06 St James Street, south grove 01 the mall & town Square 04 station/ hoe street Walthamstow town centre is the borough s major town centre and has been identified as one of the key growth areas in the borough. Walthamstow has over 500 existing shops, including in The Mall shopping centre, along the High Street, Hoe Street and St James Street. The High Street is also home to one of the country s longest street markets, with over 350 pitches, stretching from the Town Square to St James Street and serving the diverse community that lives in or visits Walthamstow. Hoe Street is fast becoming a location for independent food, drink and creative businesses, as well as an evening offer stimulated by the opening of The Scene cinema and restaurants and introduction of the Night Tube on the Victoria line. The proposals for the EMD Cinema, which include a restored 1,000 seat auditorium represent a major opportunity to put Walthamstow on the map and provide a mix of town centre and evening economy activities for local residents.

16 Major development is proposed or approved for The Mall and at land at South Grove, as well as key sites around the station and along Hoe Street. These developments would deliver in the region of 2,000 new homes and a mix of town centre uses, including 8,000m2 of retail space at The Mall, alongside investment in Town Square and Gardens. The Council owns prominent buildings on Hoe Street and land at South Grove and is exploring a mix of development on these sites, including commercial, community facilities and new residential. This is alongside the refurbishment of Walthamstow Library and streetscape improvements around the station and St James Street to improve the public space, walking, cycling and access to the bus and underground stations. St James Street at the western end of the High Street has a distinct character and 50 Victorian buildings and the streets around St James Street are being restored, through the Council-led Heritage Lottery Funded programme. WHAT LOCAL PEOPLE HAVE TOLD US ABOUT WALTHAMSTOW In March 2016, consultancy Soundings carried out consultation with Walthamstow residents and visitors to the town centre on behalf of the Council. The majority of those participating recognised that there is a need for new homes in Walthamstow; however, they were keen to emphasise that new homes need to be affordable and also that it is essential that there is the social infrastructure (healthcare facilities, schools and public spaces) for existing and new residents. Residents specifically highlighted that improvements are needed to the St James Street Health Centre. Most people recognised that there was an opportunity to improve the town centre particularly around the Town Square and Gardens and St James Street area. Better quality greener public space was suggested for the Town Square and Gardens and improving way-finding through improved signage, particularly around St James Street. The majority of respondents said that Walthamstow Market is what makes the town centre unique and special, but there was also recognition that improvements are needed. It was felt that there should be a true mix of shops which reflect the diverse population. There is an opportunity for shops outside The Mall to focus on local independent businesses, including supporting independent shops on the high street and creative businesses on Hoe Street. 88% of residents reported that they were happy with the regeneration that has taken place to date (Shaping Growth research by Bright Blue, January 2016). CASE STUDY WALTHAMSTOW TOWN CENTRE In 2013/14 four designers worked on a 1m programme with 40 traders to identify improvements to their shopfronts. The outcome included new window design and furniture, painting and de-cluttering to ensure each shop had a better façade, awning or shopfront sign. The works included: New shopfront facades to over 40 shops along Hoe Street Six new shopfronts at key locations along Hoe Street Art installation in the Town Square and Gardens Lighting to key buildings, for example feature lighting on pubs, along the road Public realm improvements to Hoe Street WALTHAM FOREST TOWN CENTRE STRATEGY & DELIVERY PLANS

17 DELIVERY PLAN: WALTHAMSTOW TOWN CENTRE ACTIVITY PURPOSE TIMINGS COUNCIL RESOURCE PARTNERS 1 Development of proposals and delivery plans for key Council-owned sites: - Central Parade - Juniper House - Town Square (including its relation to proposed Mall development) - Walthamstow Library - South Grove - Chestnuts House 2 Prepare and implement a strategy for Walthamstow High Street 3 Facilitate development of proposals and delivery plans for key third party owned sites, including: - The Mall - EMD Cinema - Overground Station/Solum Phase 2 - South Grove/Brunner Road - Central House (Strettons) 4 Pop-up shops including use of Council properties To deliver a mix of high-quality town centre developments, incorporating retail and commercial space, new housing, community facilities and improved townscape and public realm Clear strategy and delivery plan for improvements to the whole High Street, including the market, retailers and public realm, as well as promotion of the whole town centre, with phased implementation of improvements to market, shops and public realm To deliver a mix of high-quality town centre developments, incorporating retail and commercial space, new housing, community facilities and improved townscape and public realm To make premises available to support small local start-up businesses Regeneration, business team, property, External funding Regeneration, Business Support and Neighbourhood Management/ Street Trading Regeneration, Planning Policy, Housing Business support Regeneration, Business Support Developers, investors, businesses, infrastructure providers e.g. NHS funding e.g. Greater London Authority, Heritage Lottery Funding Traders, retailers. Market and Business Support Specialists Developers, investors, businesses, landowners Business support organisations, local start-up businesses 5 Programme of activity and support to promote the town centre as a destination, its retail, cultural, evening and leisure economy 6 Infrastructure delivery to meet scale of anticipated growth in the town centre To improve the high street environment and support businesses that deliver workspace, good quality food & drink and leisure services Regeneration, Planning Policy, Business Support Existing and new businesses Programme of improvements to infrastructure, including Walthamstow Gyratory highways works, increasing capacity on the London Overground, Step Free Access to the Victoria Line and bus station reconfiguration, as well as utility providers and community facilities Planning Policy, Highways/Enjoy Waltham Forest Network Rail, TfL, GLA Infrastructure providers

18 TOWN CENTRE STRATEGY & DELIVERY PLANS LEYTONSTONE LEYTONSTONE TOWN CENTRE

19 THE OPPORTUNITY Grow and diversify Leytonstone s independent retail, food and drink offer, supported by new housing and small-scale business space on key development sites, as well as improvements to the public realm, reducing the impact of traffic congestion and improving connections to the west and north. Leytonstone is the borough s second largest retail centre, set on the edge of significant green space at Epping Forest and Wanstead Flats with established residential neighbourhoods. Leytonstone is increasingly home to small independent retailers, food and drink businesses and supports a number of artisan and boutique markets, as well as a growing arts scene. However, the town centre s retail offer is dominated by Tesco at the northern end which is a car-friendly, out-of-town facility, further reinforced by the proximity of the A12 via the Green Man roundabout. With direct access to the Central Line, Overground and the regional road network, it is open to competition from nearby Westfield and central London, but is likely to benefit from the night tube s introduction. There have been recent town centre improvements in Leytonstone including renovation of the Old Red Lion pub and use of St John s churchyard for markets and community events. The Council has invested in buildings, including the library, and the public realm, most notably around the entrance to the underground station. A place-shaping plan for the town centre was developed in 2016 to help guide investment and development across the town centre; this builds on the Local Plan which outlines the potential for 500 homes to be built in the town centre. The Fred Wigg and John Walsh Towers (Montague Road Estate) have been identified as priorities for investment and improvement. To the south of the town centre and Overground Station, the new Crossrail stations at Maryland and Forest Gate in 2019 could be a catalyst for further growth and change. However, one of the challenges is that the High Road stretching south from the town centre to the borough boundary with Newham has a dispersed and underperforming shopping and business offer, with the area also experiencing higher levels of deprivation than most parts of the borough. Part of the wider Leytonstone delivery plan will include investment in shopfronts, business support and improvements to the appearance of the public realm around Cann Hall Road/Cathall Road and the entrance to Langthorne Park as a catalyst for further investment across the south of Leytonstone. WHAT LOCAL PEOPLE HAVE TOLD US ABOUT LEYTONSTONE 82% of Leytonstone residents said that they were happy with the regeneration that has taken place to date (Shaping Growth research, January 2016). Respondents said that what they most like about Leytonstone is that it is diverse, with many different cultures and that Westfield shopping centre is in close proximity; however, clearly this has an impact on Leytonstone s competitiveness as a town centre. Residents also have concerns about pressure on existing services, in particular access to hospitals and GPs.

20 3WALTHAM FOREST TOWN CENTRE STRATEGY & DELIVERY PLANS CASE STUDY HIGH ROAD LEYTONSTONE A tribute to film-maker Alfred Hitchcock, who was born in the area, was installed along the High Road as part of works in 2013/14. Paying homage to his 1963 film The Birds, bespoke paving slabs are now decorated with bird silhouettes, and the building next to his former home (now a petrol station) was transformed with a mural showing a scene from the film. The attractive Victorian terrace at the corner of High Road Leytonstone and West Street was restored, while businesses, including the Noted Eel & Pie House were improved. The nearby Acacia Centre, which provides a wide range of business space was refurbished, including: 14 new shopfront facades plus a refurbished supermarket frontage along the high street New high quality granite paving, raised junction tables and carriageway resurfacing New footway parking, loading bay and cycle stands and improved signage and street furniture to create a more pleasant public space

21 DELIVERY PLAN: LEYTONSTONE TOWN CENTRE AND HIGH ROAD ACTIVITY PURPOSE TIMINGS COUNCIL RESOURCE PARTNERS 1 New food, drink, arts and crafts markets To provide exciting events and markets into the town centre, e.g. in St John s Churchyard 2 500,000 improvements to open spaces, community and cultural facilities and streetscape 3 Improvements to streets and shopfronts, including entrance to the underground 4 Development on the Church Lane car park 5 Improved connection to housing estates undergoing regeneration 6 Developing brief to utilise Council assets, specifically in South Leytonstone for new community/leisure facilities along Cathall Road 7 Proposals for Whipps Cross Hospital site and easier and safer connections between the hospital site and the town centre 8 Examine options for strategic transport interventions, such as improvements to one-way traffic system through the town centre and improve walking and cycling routes 9 Proposals and delivery plans for new housing, shopping and leisure uses on key sites, specifically Tesco, Matalan and Network Rail sites To improve the street scene, activate open spaces and lift the appearance and the business environment along South Leytonstone High Road To improve the welcome to Leytonstone and encourage increased shoppers and visitors to support local businesses To develop options for a mix of meanwhile uses ahead of longer-term development plans To improve links between housing estates, the High Road, station, open spaces and town centre To create a mix of activity and facilities and support the growth along South Leytonstone High Road To encourage better connections between the hospital and the town centre to increase use of the town centre by hospital employees and incorporation of longer-term proposals for the hospital To reduce congestion and pollution through the town centre and improve the overall walking, cycling experience, connections over the A12, to the station and Wanstead Flats To develop new housing and secure associated community benefits. To develop better integration between sites and the High Street, introducing a wider mix of uses 2017 onwards Events team, Regeneration Regeneration, Parks, Business Support Local businesses, St John s Church Local businesses Regeneration Transport for London, St John s Church Regeneration, Housing Property, Highways, Parking Regeneration, Housing Regeneration, Property/Asset Management Highways, Regeneration, Planning Policy Highways, Regeneration, Planning Policy Regeneration, Housing, planning Landowners, developers Local businesses, Developers, Housing Associations Developers, sports and leisure providers, community organisations NHS, Transport for London Transport for London, Network Rail Local businesses, Developers, Housing Associations

22 TOWN CENTRE STRATEGY & DELIVERY PLANS LEYTON LEYTON TOWN CENTRE

23 THE OPPORTUNITY Leyton is a major focus for growth and development in the borough, with a whole new community planned to the west and south of the established town centre. Development between the existing centre, Leyton Mills and the new residential development needs to be integrated to ensure the High Road continues to thrive, offering a range of independent retail, food and drink for the area s diverse communities. Leyton is an important district centre, with a traditional high street and Leyton Mills, an out-of-town designed retail park directly opposite its underground station. Leyton sits on the edge of an area that has undergone considerable change, with the development of Westfield, Stratford International Station and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Leyton High Road and Francis Road have recently benefited from a Council-led programme of investment in the public realm and shop front improvements, alongside enhancements to Coronation Gardens, Leyton Jubilee Park and other public spaces close to the town centre. This has lifted the area s appearance and improved its desirability as a place to live and establish a business. The Council is completing a masterplan for the west of Leyton and Lea Bridge, which plans for significant new housing within ten minutes walk of the town centre. 1,500 new homes are in the pipeline and the potential for this figure to increase to over 2,500 new homes west of Leyton with the redevelopment of the Leyton Mills retail park. This will change the town centre and needs

24 to be carefully planned, to ensure the necessary improvements to transport and community infrastructure are delivered and Leyton town centre continues to thrive and support its diverse communities. The Council is taking a lead on this through the delivery of new sport, health and community facilities alongside 550 new homes proposed for the Score Centre site. WHAT LOCAL PEOPLE HAVE TOLD US ABOUT LEYTON 86% of Leyton residents said that they were happy with the regeneration that has taken place to date. However, 61% of Leyton residents consulted said that they were concerned about the affordability of housing, both to rent and to buy. This figure was significantly higher than in other areas in the borough. (Shaping Growth research, January 2016). CASE STUDY LEYTON In 2013, Leyton won the Best Town Centre Project in the London Planning Awards for a programme of road surfacing, new pavements, better lighting and more greenery in the run up to the Olympics. A 950,000 shopfront scheme to give 43 businesses a new lease of life as funded through the Working Neighbourhoods Fund was also developed. This provided new signage, new shopfront facades, new shutters, painting and specialist conservation work: the scheme revived Leyton high street. Alongside this, residents were also able to access a home grant scheme that helped 157 residents improve the front of their homes WALTHAM FOREST TOWN CENTRE STRATEGY & DELIVERY PLANS

25 DELIVERY PLAN: LEYTON TOWN CENTRE ACTIVITY PURPOSE TIMINGS COUNCIL RESOURCE PARTNERS 1 Develop proposals and delivery plans for key sites, including : - Score Centre (Coronation Square)/Ive Farm - Bywaters - Leyton Mills Retail Park 2 Take forward a masterplan for linking the different areas of Leyton (High Street, Leyton Mills and Coronation Square) together more clearly 3 Promote Leyton town centre as part of a wider narrative for growth and investment in Lea Valley Eastside 4 Further improvements to shops and business support via town centre grants To enable a coherent and comprehensive plan for short, medium and long-term housing, community infrastructure, leisure and sports developments to the west and south of the town centre To ensure that Leyton as a whole retains a distinct identity as a town centre and the different areas are linked through clear and attractive connections and good quality wayfinding To raise the profile and attract further investment in the town centre To continue improvements to the high street and support existing businesses 5 Develop Leyton outdoor market To support the continued success of the newly-established outdoor market 6 Improve links to the south and west (to Hackney Marshes, Eton Manor, QE Olympic Park and Stratford Olympicopolis development) 7 Deliver a long-term, sustainable use for Leyton Cricket Ground 8 Leyton underground station redevelopment and creation of new public space 9 Work with TfL on wider programme of transport improvements, including to bus network, Leyton Overground Station and potential new rail station at Ruckholt Road To make it easier and safer to access new facilities particularly for walking and cycling, maximising the benefits of local developments for local residents and businesses To provide new sports, health, business and community facilities as part of a sustainable future for a local important asset To improve access and capacity of the underground station and create better public space To further enhance public transport access to/from Leyton town centre, supporting business growth, visitor access and resident journeys Regeneration, Housing, Leisure, Property Regeneration, Highways Regeneration, Communications Regeneration, Business Support Regeneration, Business Support, Culture Regeneration, Highways Leisure, Culture, Property Regeneration, Business Support Highways, Regeneration Highways, Regeneration Landowners and developers Landowners, developers, Transport for London GLA, Developers, Landowners Local businesses Leyton market operator and traders Transport for London Key landowners e.g. Leyton Mills, LVRPA Local sports and community groups, funding bodies Transport for London Leyton Mills landowners Network Rail, Transport for London

26 TOWN CENTRE STRATEGY & DELIVERY PLANS CHINGFORD CHINGFORD TOWN CENTRE

27 THE OPPORTUNITY Chingford is an attractive and thriving town centre with a low level of vacant units and an upscale retail and food and drink offer. Its proximity to Epping Forest further adds to its character and quality. Further promotion and diversification of the town centre s retail and food and drink offer will strengthen its position as a desirable place to live and visit. Chingford is situated on the edge of Epping Forest with good access to the regional road network and railway line to Liverpool Street. It has a distinctly different character to the south of the borough and its other town centres, due to the upmarket range of its retail and food and drink offer and the relative affluence of the population living in the town centre and visiting it. The Council has an opportunity to improve links between the train station, high road and leisure activities at the nearby King George and William Girling reservoirs, as well as Girwell Park, conference and wedding venue, camp sites and golf courses. WHAT LOCAL PEOPLE HAVE TOLD US ABOUT CHINGFORD Chingford residents consulted had positive views of the quality and quantity of green space, the village feel of Chingford and the quality of schools. (Shaping Growth research, January 2016). However, residents said that they were concerned about the affordability of housing, both to rent and to buy. DELIVERY PLAN: CHINGFORD ACTIVITY PURPOSE TIMINGS COUNCIL RESOURCE PARTNERS 1 Promote appropriate, high-quality evening economy food and drink outlets 2 Improve the layout, access and wayfinding around the train station 3 Explore opportunities to improve access and way-finding between the town centre, local assets and green open space 4 Consider appropriate development of business space in the town centre To develop the quality of the evening economy and increase town centre activity beyond 5pm To work with Network Rail, Transport for London and adjacent landowners to bring about improvements to the station, forecourt and access/egress from the train station To create a clear and welcoming arrival into the town centre and clearer links to local businesses and other assets e.g. Queen Elizabeth Hunting Lodge, Girwell Conference Centre and Epping Forest To provide flexible space to accommodate business growth and attract new employment in the town Planning Policy, Regeneration, Business Support Regeneration, Highways Regeneration, Highways Regeneration, Business Team Local businesses Local landowners, Transport for London, Network Rail Transport for London, Corporation of London Transport for London

28 TOWN CENTRE STRATEGY & DELIVERY PLANS CHINGFORD MOUNT CHINGFORD MOUNT TOWN CENTRE

29 THE OPPORTUNITY Chingford Mount is an important district centre in the north of the borough. The town centre is performing adequately overall and with targeted support and development could become a well-functioning centre, serving an increasingly diverse and active local community which is keen to see the centre thrive. Chingford Mount is a relatively large district centre, which offers a range of day-to-day convenience services for local residents. The centre struggles to compete with the upmarket, boutique offer of Chingford or with major outof-town comparison and convenience goods offers to the west and south. This is reflected in trading levels and vacancy rates, particularly in the north of the centre, as well as in local perceptions. Local groups have established Love South Chingford, including a promotional campaign, building on the area s increasing food and drink offer and developing a plan of action to improve the town centre. The town centre has benefited from recent Council investment at Albert Crescent, but is fairly functional in appearance and could benefit from further investment in prominent sites and buildings as well as the streetscape. Small-scale, but prominent development opportunities could provide a significant improvement to the appeal of the town centre s offer. Traffic congestion is an

30 3WALTHAM FOREST TOWN CENTRE STRATEGY & DELIVERY PLANS issue for the centre, which only has buses as a public transport option. WHAT LOCAL PEOPLE HAVE TOLD US ABOUT CHINGFORD MOUNT Residents in Chingford Mount are less likely than residents in other town centres to shop in their local high street (Shaping Growth research, January 2016). Chingford Mount has the highest shop vacancy rate of all the borough s eight town centres at 11%. There is an active Love South Chingford group which is advocating increased investment in Chingford Mount and encouraging local people to use their town centre. CASE STUDY CHINGFORD MOUNT The Chingford Mount high street scheme carried out in 2013, with a value of 750,000, focused on Albert Crescent, which connects Hall Lane to Old Church Road. Home to a large traffic island with a well-used bus stop, Albert Crescent has a memorial column at its centre which was retained. The works included: Improvements to the public space Five shopfront facades (three of which were double fronted units) including new signage and lighting The restoration of art deco stonework above the shops Work to public areas including new granite paving, wider pavements, new seating and more trees Improved road safety measures with new feature lighting

31 CHINGFORD MOUNT: DELIVERY PLAN ACTIVITY PURPOSE TIMINGS COUNCIL RESOURCE PARTNERS 1 Produce development briefs and delivery plans for key town centre sites 2 Secure investment for the High Street and businesses around Old Church Road through the town centre grants programme 3 Support small food and drink businesses to become established and grow, including through proactive planning policy To provide improved new shopping units, town centre facilities, community facilities and housing To make the High Street a more attractive and successful business environment To help develop a wider mix of business in the town centre to increase footfall and business growth 2016 onwards Business Team, Planning Regeneration, Property Business Team, Regeneration, Highways Business Team, Regeneration, Planning Policy Landowners and developers, local businesses, resident groups Local businesses, resident groups Local businesses

32 TOWN CENTRE STRATEGY & DELIVERY PLANS BAKERS ARMS BAKERS ARMS TOWN CENTRE

33 THE OPPORTUNITY Bakers Arms is a small district centre, just south of Walthamstow and north of Leyton and Leytonstone. It plays a secondary role to these larger centres, but continues to carve its own distinct identity based around a mix of national retailers, small, cheaper independent retailers and ethnic-led food and drink offer. The town centre has benefited from recent Council-led investment and has a number of development sites which could help define it as a more established small town centre in its own right. Bakers Arms is generally performing well despite being closer to the much larger Walthamstow town centre. It has a retail vacancy of 7.1%, which is below the London average. Tesco is the dominant anchor store, but the town centre has a good range of independent retailers, generally at the cheaper end of the spectrum, but which attract a high footfall. DELIVERY PLAN: BAKERS ARMS ACTIVITY PURPOSE TIMINGS COUNCIL RESOURCE PARTNERS 1 Identify and produce development briefs or action plans for key sites (e.g. vacant shops, car parks and the bus garage) 2 Undertake an audit of business needs and develop a support and town centre grant programme 3 Expand food and drink offer, focusing on existing cluster of specialist/ethnic food and drink and the evening economy 4 Improvements to Tesco store and entrance To bring back into active use sites which are vacant or do not add to the vibrancy of the town centre, introducing a mix of town centre uses, community facilities and housing To support smaller businesses to enable them to grow, thrive and provide more local employment To support the existing businesses and attract new food and drink businesses To improve the appearance and functionality of an important store in the heart of the town centre Regeneration, Planning Policy, Business Team, Property Business Team and Regeneration Regeneration and Business Team Local businesses, investors, landowners, developers and Transport for London Local businesses Local businesses Regeneration Tesco

34 TOWN CENTRE STRATEGY & DELIVERY PLANS WOOD STREET WOOD STREET TOWN CENTRE

35 THE OPPORTUNITY Wood Street is home to a range of independent and niche retailers, food and drink businesses and a growing arts and crafts scene. It is close to Walthamstow but is clearly a distinct centre with its own unique character. The Marlowe Road estate regeneration will provide a mix of housing in the town centre and could facilitate wider investment, building on the introduction of the Overground service and recent Outer London Fund initiatives. The key to the development of future plans is retaining Wood Street s character and increasing its desirability as a place to live and work. Wood Street is a unique small town centre which has become a location for small independent businesses, particularly more niche and boutique retailers and places to eat and drink. It is home to a growing arts scene, typified by the work and plans of Wood Street Walls. It sits comfortably as a distinct and separate centre from Walthamstow and Leytonstone, but with clear connections to arts and creative activity that is seen in both of these places, as well as in Blackhorse Lane. The Council developed an Area Action Plan for the town centre and this reached the preferred options stage, indicating local support for some regeneration and growth, most particularly at Marlowe Road and Fulbourne Road.

36 Since then, schemes have been delivered and the Council s partnership with Countryside Properties will deliver the estate regeneration programme at Marlowe Road. A programme of Council-led investment in the high street, shopfronts and business support has also helped lift the town centre, contributing to it becoming an increasingly desirable place to live. There is now an opportunity for the Council to develop a comprehensive masterplan that builds on this investment to ensure Wood Street retains the unique characteristics that have made it successful. WHAT LOCAL PEOPLE HAVE TOLD US ABOUT WOOD STREET Residents in Wood Street are the most positive about their town centre, but are slightly less satisfied than residents in other town centres about recent regeneration initiatives in their area. (Shaping Growth research, January 2016). CASE STUDY WOOD STREET Wood Street has received significant Council investment in recent years, along with funding from Transport for London and the Mayor s Outer London Fund between This has helped transform the area s public spaces and 60 local businesses have been supported through training, creation of a business forum website and the rejuvenation of the Wood Street Indoor Market. Local business grants and a programme of events have resulted, organised with the local business community. The works included: improvements to 44 shopfronts treatments to the two Woodside School fences ongoing business support in the form of training and marketing opportunities locally inspired artwork plus events to encourage residents to use and explore their local high street. In 2016 Wood Street has been shortlisted by the Academy of Urbanism for a Great Street Award, one of three High Streets nationally WALTHAM FOREST TOWN CENTRE STRATEGY & DELIVERY PLANS

37 DELIVERY PLAN: WOOD STREET ACTIVITY PURPOSE TIMINGS COUNCIL RESOURCE PARTNERS 1 Develop clear planning policy for the town centre 2 Develop an exciting creative and cultural programme 3 Enable new spaces for pop-up shops, in or around the indoor market 4 Develop planning briefs and delivery plans for key sites 5 Coordinating provision of local health and community facilities (including at Thorpe Coombe Hospital) To establish what type of development will be permitted, building on a draft Area Action Plan developed in 2014 To build on existing successful creative and cultural offer, to support growth and employment opportunities To offer business support to independent retail and artisan businesses and enable new workspace and artist studios including at the Council-owned Manual Instruction Centre To maximise opportunities for appropriate growth through a mix of town centre uses, community and housing development To ensure that growth is accompanied by appropriate level of community facilities to meet local needs Planning Policy, Regeneration 2016 onwards Culture, Regeneration Business Support, Planning Policy, Regeneration Planning Policy, Regeneration, Property Planning Policy, Regeneration, Education and Highways Local residents and businesses and developers Local cultural and creative organisations Local small, creative businesses Landowners, Developers, investors and local businesses and organisations NHS, Education, Wood Street First

38 HIGHAMS PARK TOWN CENTRE TOWN CENTRE STRATEGY & DELIVERY PLANS HIGHAMS PARK