A community-based regeneration project has given the St James Street area in Waltham Forest a new lease of life.
The area, at the Western end of Walthamstow High Street, has many art deco buildings dating back to 1929, but over the years the shops had become dilapidated and the local economy struggled.
The regeneration project was funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Waltham Forest Council, with contributions from local shopkeepers and £8000 worth of volunteer time.
The scheme included oral history workshops with older residents to bring back memories of the street’s former glory, from which a ‘sound trail’ of the area has been created.
Children from the Mission Grove Primary School held an exhibition to showcase models of what they knew about the area. The exhibition featured small-scale models of local landmarks, such as the Mall, EMD Cinema and the town hall, and board games based on key landmarks.
The project included the repair of around 59 buildings and the restoration of a number of historic features. The work included the installation of new shop fronts and new architectural lighting, as well as traffic calming measures to encourage and give priority to pedestrians and cyclists.
The project provided targeted support and training for 36 local businesses to help them with marketing, promotion and employment legislation and has led to a closer working relationship between the council and local businesses, with more activities planned.
Two work experience placements were offered for a nine-week period last year, and one of those who took up a placement has subsequently found permanent work.
A launch event was held to mark the completion of the scheme, complete with live performances, food and a DJ set.
‘This heritage-led scheme has brought the buildings, and the local area, back to its former glory,’ said Waltham Forest council leader, Clare Coghill.
‘There is so much heritage here, it was important that it should gain a new lease of life and made available to for people and businesses to benefit and enjoy.
‘This is community-based regeneration at its best,’ she added. ‘I am therefore really pleased to be able to formally open the St James Street area and give a boost to the local economy.’
The head of Heritage Lottery Fund London, Stuart Hobley, added: ‘Investment in our local high street heritage goes well beyond bricks and mortar, it inspires pride in our heritage, contributes to strengthening the local economy and enables people and organisations to work together for the future of their local townscape.
‘It is great to see the impact the scheme has had on the historic St James Street area, adding to the cumulative impact of heritage projects in Walthamstow made possible thanks to National Lottery players.’
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