Families and Homes Hub Update

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Families and Homes Hub as seen from Wood Street

Families and Homes Hub news

Walthom Forest

Demolition completes

Families and Homes hub demolition

The demolition of the former Wood Street Library has now completed.

Removal of the building structure started in January 2021 and concluded on the 1 April 2021, slightly ahead of schedule.

The site has been secured to prevent anti-social behaviour and will be handed over to the construction contractor in Autumn 2021, subject to obtaining planning permission for the development.

Portland Stone and name plaques not Portland Stone

Families and homes hub name plaques

The Council committed to re-using the Portland Stone and name plaques from the existing Wood Street Library building. The stone was to be re-used as part of the façade for the ground floor and first floor of the proposed new building, and names plaques incorporated into the façade of the new building.

During the demolition, it was found that the Portland Stone and name plaques are made of concrete. This has since been confirmed by expert consultants within the project team.

Heritage experts have advised that whilst this discovery reduces the level of architectural interest in the name plaques, there remains some historic interest in the sense of civic pride the plaques convey. The Council agrees with this assessment and therefore the intention to re-use the name plaques remains. The name plaques have been safely removed from the building and are being securely stored ready for re-use.

The ground and first floor of the proposed building will still be clad in pre-cast concrete. The cement type and colour has been selected to achieve the desired tone and finish similar to Portland Stone, and in keeping with the style of the former library building. This will result in a negligible visual change to the proposal set out in the planning application.

Planning Committee expected in Late Spring

Proposed design for the Families and Homes Hub

The planning application for the Families and Homes Hub and 67 new homes was submitted at the end of January 2021. The Local Planning Authority has been assessing the application and a Planning Committee at the end of Spring/ early Summer is being targeted.

Another newsletter will be issued once the date for committee has been confirmed. If approved, work is likely to begin in Autumn / Winter 2021.

What services will the Hub provide?

Families and Homes Hub services

The Families and Homes Hub will provide Waltham Forest residents with access to the Council’s social care and housing teams in a safe and welcoming environment. The services that will be provided will include housing solutions advice, some Youth Offending Services appointments and social care appointments and will be a joined-up Council service offer for local residents. Moving them into one building will make it more convenient for residents and will mean a more efficient service from staff.

Proposed facilities include:

  • Waiting and meet-and-greet areas
  • A self-check-in reception space and signposting to relevant services
  • A flexible pop-up space showing residents how Council services and programmes can help them
  • Touchdown workspace for Council officers to use between meetings with residents
  • Assessment and interview areas, offering open and private spaces

See FAQs about the Hub

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