WALTHAMSTOW is getting a glow up with new shops and cafes.
Plans to turn the derelict railway arches near St James Street in the London town into a trendy eating, drinking, and shopping destination have had the go ahead.
The London town that was also named the ‘coolest’ neighbourhood in the UK by The Telegraph, will become even more stylish as it adds more shops to their name.
The 16 railway arches in Courtenay Place next to St James Street Station will soon be turned into shops, cafes, and restaurants.
The proposals were approved last Tuesday 4 March, with five councillors reportedly reaching a decision after 13 minutes.
The project is part of the ‘Levelling Up’ funding which Walthamstow Council secured in 2023.
The funds of £17.2 million were to go towards Walthamstow: Culture For All projects.
The money will also go towards improving public spaces around Hoe Street, High Street, and St James Quarter.
Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration Councillor Ahsan Khan said: “Making Waltham Forest a better place for residents is at the heart of everything we do.
“We are creating a thriving and welcoming cultural destination in the St James Quarter, and we are pleased that architects Feix&Merlin and Extended Studio can come with us on this journey to help us deliver our vision through the Levelling Up programme.
“It will provide more green spaces and attract more visitors to the town centre, bringing an important boost for the local economy.”
It’s not yet known when work will start, or what shops and businesses will go into the units.
Walthamstow isn’t the only place getting a face lift, the trendy town of Camden is also changing.
The busy high street full of market stalls, sellers, food stands, pubs, and colourful buildings is about to undergo a car-free trial.
The popular high street stretches across 0.6 miles, and can see up to 40,000 in one day.
In the height of summer and, pedestrians pour out onto the road, which is still used for vehicles.
Camden Council have decided to take action to and create a “safer” spot for locals and tourists.
Later this year, Camden High Street will enter a trial of being pedestrianised.
In an effort to clear traffic, there won’t be any motor vehicles on the highs street from the junction with Parkway and Kentish Town Road, buses will also be re-routed.
TfL has provided £130,000 for the development of the trial.
At the moment, there is no confirmed dated of the trail, but Camden Council have said it is “scheduled to begin later in 2025′.
We also have found one of the trendiest spots in London for shopping.
And the busy London train station getting a revamp costing billions.
