Waltham Forest Council has approved a £1.57 million contract for refurbishment works at Hatherley Mews, a project set to significantly improve accessibility and regenerate the historic site.
The decision, made at an Executive Decision meeting on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, will see Woodland Interiors Contracting Limited undertake the refurbishment of vacant units at the Hoe Street location. Approximately one third of Hatherley Mews is currently vacant, including prominent ground floor spaces, and this regeneration aims to bring these back into use.
Woodland Interiors Contracting Limited was awarded the contract following a competitive procurement process that received 14 tender submissions. Interviews were conducted with the highest-ranking tenderers to assess their proposals, including construction methodologies and their approach to managing a sensitive, publicly active site, providing confidence in their ability to deliver the scheme.
The project has secured £1.96 million from the Government's Levelling Up Fund, contributing to a total approved budget of £3.585 million for the scheme. Enabling works, infrastructure upgrades, and planning consents have already been completed.
An Equality Impact Assessment screening for the project highlighted that the refurbishment works will have a positive impact on individuals with disabilities by making the ground floor units fully accessible. The refurbished units are envisioned for creative, studio, workshop, light industrial, food and beverage, and cultural occupiers.
The aim is to create a new cultural destination for Walthamstow, supporting local creative enterprises, within a thriving business environment providing a space for the Borough's creative and cultural sector, as well as leisure and hospitality businesses.
The development will also seek to provide spaces to businesses complementing the theatre's offer, with the aim of enhancing the local nighttime offer and economy in Walthamstow town centre.
Beyond the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, the environmental improvements include a range of environmental performance targets covering key elements such as energy, water, recyclable materials to improve the sustainability and whole-life cost of the buildings as applicable.
Additionally, the contractor has been asked to consider how the construction works will contribute to reducing, reusing, and recycling waste and encourage walking, cycling and use of public transport and/or electric vehicles.
Improvements to the public realm, including cobblestone renewal, new CCTV, and improved lighting, are also planned. These enhancements are intended to enhance safety and tackle anti-social behaviour.
The decision to award the contract is part of a broader strategy to regenerate Hatherley Mews for creative, cultural, and commercial uses, aligning with the Regeneration Business Plan and the 15-minute cultural neighbourhood initiative.
The decision is subject to a call-in period, expiring on Tuesday, June 30, 2026.
More information on the project can be found in the Public reports pack and the Decisions document.
