Waltham Forest Council has approved a £1.57 million contract for the refurbishment of Hatherley Mews, a historic site in Walthamstow. The project, which includes the installation of solar panels, aims to regenerate the area for creative, cultural, and commercial uses, transforming it into a new cultural destination for Walthamstow.
The decision was made at an Executive Decision meeting on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, where the Director of Capital Strategy, Delivery & Estates, in consultation with Councillor Eva Tabbasam, Deputy Leader (Housing and Regeneration), agreed to award the contract to Woodland Interiors Contracting Limited. The contract was officially awarded on June 23, 2026, following a call-in period that expired on Tuesday, June 30, 2026.
The refurbishment of Hatherley Mews, located on Hoe Street, is part of a broader strategy to enhance the cultural offering, support local businesses, and boost the evening economy. The vision is to redevelop Hatherley Mews to create a space for the Borough's creative and cultural sector, as well as leisure and hospitality businesses. The completed scheme is specifically targeted towards creative, studio, workshop, light industrial, food and beverage, and cultural occupiers, complementing existing businesses within the mews and benefiting from the proximity of Soho Theatre Walthamstow. Enabling works, infrastructure upgrades, and planning consents have already been completed, with this phase focusing on bringing vacant units back into use.
The project has secured £1.96 million from the Government's Levelling Up Fund, in addition to allocated capital investment funding, bringing the total approved budget to £3.585 million. The refurbishment will include essential structural, compliance, and regulatory works. The completed development is forecast to generate rental income, contributing to cost recovery over time.
Environmental improvements are a key component of the renovation. Beyond the inclusion of solar photovoltaic panels to enhance sustainability and reduce operational carbon emissions, the capital works will deliver a range of environmental performance targets covering key elements such as energy, water, and recyclable materials to improve the sustainability and whole-life cost of the buildings. 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 the use of public transport and/or electric vehicles.
Upgrades to the public realm, such as cobblestone renewal, new CCTV, and improved lighting, are intended to enhance safety and tackle anti-social behaviour in the area.
The Equality Impact Assessment screening indicated that the refurbishment works will positively impact individuals with disabilities by making the ground floor units fully accessible.
More information about the project can be found in the Public reports pack and the Decisions document.
