As part of a programme of work to support High Streets following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Waltham Forest Council’s Cabinet is due to discuss a major investment in the cultural and community facilities available in Chingford, when it meets on Thursday 11 June 2020.
This major investment in Chingford will boost the facilities available for residents with the aim of attracting more people to the shopping area while also providing homes for local people at the heart of the town centre.
For some time the current Assembly Hall has not provided the type of venue that local people want for meetings and events, which has been reflected in the bookings.
The Library has around 12,000 users per year and is now in need of significant investment to refresh and refurbish it.
Neither building has a lift and both buildings are expensive to heat and maintain.
The proposal is for
- a new fully accessible modern library
- a multi-use assembly space that is affordable for local community groups and residents to hire
- learning space for Adult Learning Services courses
- enhanced facilities for older people
- a cafe
- around 40 new homes, including a target of 50 per cent affordable homes for local people
- energy saving measures to help tackle the climate emergency
The new homes will contribute to the Draft Local Plan target to deliver 300 new homes in the North Chingford key strategic location via a high-quality public sector-led development. Any development on this site would need to preserve and enhance the conservation area through its design and materials used.
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