LQ unveils plans for Walthamstow Stadium

Housing association LQ, together with architect Conran Partners, today unveiled draft plans for the redevelopment of Walthamstow Stadium.

Plans for the iconic former greyhound racing venue are being tabled at three consultation events being held across the borough, during which local residents are invited to offer their thoughts on the proposed development.

The plans include:

• Approximately 300 new homes, ranging from apartments and maisonettes to family houses.
• Pedestrian and cyclist-friendly streets.
• A combination of on-street and secure covered parking.
• Public spaces, including a communal Square, allotments and gardens. 
• A wide range of sustainable features including smart meters and innovative waste recycling.

In addition, LQ is exploring a number of possible options for community facilities to be housed in the former Tote building. Local residents will be invited to offer views on the shape of these facilities at the forthcoming consultation events.

Steve Yianni, LQ Regional Director, said: “Our aim is to create a vibrant, high-quality and desirable place to live, that is also sensitive to the site’s unique character.

“Our proposed plans combine housing and social spaces, modern and listed buildings, new streets, footpaths and parking.

“It is vital that the borough’s residents have a say in the future of the site, and we look forward to discussing our plans in more detail at the consultation events this week.”

Paul Zara, Director at Conran Partners, said: “With the redevelopment of the former Walthamstow Stadium, we are aiming to meet the significant housing needs of the area, whilst at the same time creating a safe, sustainable and enjoyable living environment for future communities.”

The announcement from LQ comes the day after Boris Johnson pledged his support for Walthamstow Stadium as a ‘sporting venue’.

In a statement, the Mayor of London said: “London has a rich tradition of dog racing and it is lamentable that some of its iconic stadia have suffered decline and closure in recent years.

“I urge Londoners to support this increasingly endangered pursuit and the owners of the remaining stadiums to preserve these in active use for dog racing for the benefit of Londoners.

“I urge the owners of Walthamstow Stadium to take full consideration of the needs and wishes of local people with regard to the future of this sporting venue.”

Mr Johnson’s comments will be welcomed by Waltham Forest MPs Stella Creasy and Iain Duncan Smith, who have called on LQ to negotiate with Bob Morton, a millionaire businessman who has offered to buy the venue and re-introduce racing.

In a joint statement, they said: “We welcome this breakthrough in trying to progress the future of Walthamstow Stadium.

“Boris joins us in wanting to see this site being brought back into use for the benefit of the local economy and the local community and being concerned at the antics of the housing developer who currently owns it.

“We hope LQ get the message loud and clear that they need to start talking seriously to developers like Mr Morton to see if a deal can be done to restore the track and bring housing to the area – the patience of the people of Walthamstow and Chingford will not stand for anything less.”

The campaign group Save Our Stow said it was delighted by the comments of three influential politicians.

“It is great news that the Mayor of London describes Walthamstow Stadium as a ‘sporting venue’ and as such it is surely impossible for LQ to go against the Mayor’s wishes and turn this sporting venue in to a housing estate.

“The Mayor demands that LQ take full consideration of the wishes of local people and this is endorsed by Iain and Stella. Despite numerous requests, LQ have failed to provide one shred of evidence to substantiate their claim that local people do not want greyhound racing.

“This compares to our survey showing 94% of local people wanting greyhound racing on the site and record submissions to the Council to protect the site for greyhound racing usage under their call for Sites consultation process.”