Work resumed on the 583 home ‘Patchworks’ development on Forest Road this month after a new developer was found to revive the project, reports Marco Marcelline
How the development is expected to look, Credit: Newlon Housing Trust
A housing development at the former Homebase site in Walthamstow will be completed in 2028, Waltham Forest Council has confirmed.
Countryside Partnerships of Vistry Group have agreed to deliver the project which includes new commercial and co-working space, as well as gardens and play areas.
The 583 home development at the former Homebase site was stopped back in October 2023 after developer Inland Homes fell into administration. It had initially been due to be completed by March 2025.
The development was first given the green light by the council in March 2021, with the approved blocks ranging from four to 18 storeys tall. Two blocks had been erected when Inland Homes filed for administration.
Around four months before Inland collapsed in 2023, it was revealed that the brownfield developer’s board was unaware of a number of related-party transactions entered into by its former boss and other senior directors. They included a number of interest free loans from a nursery owned by the ex-boss of the company.
Simon Barnett resigned as chairman of Inland Homes on 1st March 2023, along with the group’s other non-executive directors.
The company’s founder Nishith Malde resigned as director on 4th September 2023, as it was revealed the company faced £91million in losses. Weeks later, the company entered administration and work on Patchworks stopped.
Kevin Delve, managing director of Vistry East London, said: “We are proud to partner with LBTR and Newlon to bring Patchworks to fruition. Building on our other successful projects in the borough, these much-needed homes will make a real difference to local housing needs. We are looking forward to completing the project and delivering the council’s housing vision at pace.”
Ahsan Khan, deputy leader and cabinet member for housing, said: “I am very pleased to be working with Vistry to complete the new Patchworks development that will provide hundreds more much-needed new homes, with 156 available for low-cost rent to help those households in the greatest need.
“We are determined to make sure that local people have the opportunity to live in the borough close to their families, friends, and support networks. The development will be completed to a high standard alongside environmental upgrades that will make the area a nicer, more welcoming place for residents and visitors alike.”
Stuart Churchward, on behalf of London BTR Investments, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Vistry on this new neighbourhood. Walthamstow is a very attractive property hotspot and we’re very pleased to contribute to this, offering renters brand new apartments, teamed with a professional rental experience through the Simple Life London brand.”
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