SoCo proposes two large co‑living schemes in Walthamstow
The plans cover 310 rooms on Wood Street and 319 rooms on the former Wilko site in Walthamstow High Street.
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Developer SoCo has put forward two large co‑living projects in Walthamstow, one on Wood Street and another on the former Wilko building in Walthamstow High Street.
Wood Street proposal
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The Wood Street scheme would provide 310 private studios in a six‑storey building that replaces ageing vehicle repair sheds and vacant offices. It would contain communal kitchens, lounges, co‑working areas, a gym and roof terraces. SoCo also plans 971 square metres of commercial space and 320 cycle parking spaces. Waltham Forest Council has not yet decided on the application.
High Street plan
On Walthamstow High Street SoCo wants to convert the former Wilko premises into a 319‑room co‑living building. The design includes shared kitchens, lounges, co‑working spaces, a gym and terraces. Around ten percent of the rooms would be wheelchair accessible and the scheme follows inclusive design principles with good lighting around the block. Outdoor space is to feature more than nine new trees, green roofs and a biodiversity net gain of over twenty‑five percent. Early drawings show an intention to keep ground‑floor retail, but it is not yet clear whether the existing Stow Bazaar market would remain.
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Trader concerns
Waltham Forest Echo reported that Stow Bazaar, which opened in June 2024 with forty‑eight retail units, has faced repeated break‑ins, flooding, inaccessible toilets and collapsing ceiling tiles. Traders have described low footfall and financial strain.
““I accrued debts in the tens of thousands after low footfall left me unable to cover costs.””
Princess Caulker, clothing trader
Ahmed also told the Echo that he lost £35,000 worth of stock in a break‑in just a week after starting business.
Next steps
Waltham Forest Council is still reviewing the Wood Street application. SoCo has begun a public consultation on the High Street proposal and will submit a formal planning request once feedback is collected. No date has been set for either decision.
Questions this report answers
+How many rooms are in each of the proposed co-living schemes?
The Wood Street scheme would contain 310 private studios, while the High Street plan proposes 319 rooms. This means the two developments together would provide 629 co-living units if both are approved.
+What green features are included in the High Street co-living scheme?
The High Street plan includes green roofs and a biodiversity net gain above 25%. This means the development aims to improve local wildlife habitats by over a quarter, alongside adding more than nine new trees to the outdoor space.
+What problems has Stow Bazaar faced recently?
Stow Bazaar has experienced break-ins, flooding, inaccessible toilets, and collapsing ceiling tiles. Traders have also reported low footfall and financial difficulties, with one losing £35,000 in stock during a break-in shortly after opening.
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