THE owner of Walthamstow Stadium has said it is considering a raft of new suggestions for its planned leisure centre at the site.
Housing association London and Quadrant (L&Q) has told the Guardian it is now looking at a variety of proposals for the building following feedback from two consultations last month.
The organisation plans to build a housing development at the former dog racing arena in Chingford Road, Chingford, along with a nursery, cafe and the sports centre.
Prior to the consultation events, L&Q said it planned to build four gym-like rooms in the stadium's listed Tote building, which would be used for exercise classes and other similar activities.
But now the group says it is considering making space for music and drama rehearsal rooms, art exhibition space and community meeting rooms.
Other suggestions from residents which L&Q says it is considering, include a cyber cafe, snooker and table tennis rooms and a youth club.
The organisation says it is now finalising its plans before it submits an application to Waltham Forest Council.
However L&Q has still not said when this will be.
Meanwhile, it says it is arranging more meetings with residents to discuss further possible alterations.
Its revised plans for the site came under criticism last month from some residents, who were concerned about the height and design of some of the buildings.
Campaign group Save Our Stow (SOS) has also renewed its demands for L&Q to sell the site to millionaire businessman Bob Morton, who wants to return dog racing to the venue and build affordable housing alongside it.
A spokeswoman for L&Q said: "The Walthamstow Stadium site is a complex site which we are committed to developing to the highest possible standard.
"We are now reviewing the results of the consultation events and continuing our community engagement as we work on finalising our plans.
"We are confident that our plans will deliver a £50million iconic development which preserves the heritage of the site and provides around 300 new homes, a modern leisure centre run by the community for the community, a children’s nursery and allotments, as well as over 250 jobs to meet the needs of local people."
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