New proposals for the redevelopment of a former East London greyhound stadium were revealed to this newspaper ten years ago this week.
Details of revised plans to build a large housing development at the iconic Walthamstow Stadium site have been revealed to the Guardian.
In a meeting with this newspaper, housing association London and Quadrant (L&Q) showed diagrams of its new proposals which include residential blocks up to eight storeys high, an underground car park and a gym-like leisure centre.
It is the first time precise details of the new £50million project have been publicly revealed before they go on display at two consultation events later this month.
However L&Q land director Mike Johnson said the proposals for the site, in Chingford Road, Chingford, were still being tweaked.
The revised plans shown to the Guardian include:
A glass extension to the listed Tote Board building which would house a café and juice bar.
A leisure centre inside the Tote Board structure. It will comprise of changing rooms and four gym-like studio rooms. L&Q says it is in talks with the council's leisure operator over its management.
A set of ten allotments next to the venue's protected kennels, which are themselves earmarked for storage.
A commercial nursery with space for 80 toddlers at the north west side of the site.
A covered car park in the centre. It will be half underground and have space for around 260 vehicles.
Around 300 homes. The centre of the development will have sets of apartment blocks around five storeys tall. The edge of complex will have family houses around three storeys tall. There will also be eight-storey buildings on the south east edge of the site.
A series of public squares and parks and the opening up of the site to allow access from Rushcroft Road.
L&Q would not hand over copies of the diagrams to the Guardian because they are still being tweaked.
Mr Johnson said he was satisfied that the plans had the support of residents following “extensive” consultations and meetings with those living in the immediate vicinity of the site, including with community groups and nearby Rush Croft school.
He said: “One of the reasons why we've got fewer homes this time is that we've listened to local residents. That's also why we've changed the numbers and height in some areas.
“Our number one priority is to come up with the highest quality development that we can and residents' views have been very important in the process.”
Mr Johnson added that L&Q had looked at options such as a bowling alley for the leisure centre but had concluded there was not enough space.
However the plans remain controversial. Campaign group Save Our Stow (SOS) says L&Q should instead sell the land to millionaire businessman Bob Morton, who wants to reopen the venue for dog racing along with new housing.
The first of two public consultation events is at the Vestry House Museum, in Vestry Road in Walthamstow Village.
The second display will be at Rush Croft School, in Rushcroft Road.
L&Q says it hopes to submit its planning application “as soon as possible” but will take into account feedback from the events before the proposals are finalised.
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