Mulalley has commenced works to revitalise Waltham Forest’s historic St James Street. The scheme will regenerate this key part of Walthamstow town centre by preserving and enhancing the shop fronts and key historic buildings in the St James Conservation Area.

The £2.9m scheme has received a grant of £1.46m from the Heritage Lottery Fund, with Waltham Forest Council investing £1.34m and other contributions coming from local businesses and volunteers.

The St James Conservation Area will benefit from vital building conservation and repair work on up to 50 properties, including the restoration of historic features. Cleaning, repair and restoration work to the upper floors of 39-41 High Street (Golden Cake) has been completed. Scaffolding has now been erected around a further 12 buildings to allow work to take place on their upper floors. As part of the work the historic ‘griffin’ statues will be restored in their original locations.

Cllr Clare Coghill, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth and High Streets said: “I’m delighted that work is getting underway on this incredibly important scheme. This is a fantastic opportunity to preserve and restore the historic architecture of the St James Street Conservation Area, and we are putting a really exciting activity programme in place so that residents and businesses have the opportunity to get involved.

“The Council is fully committed to improving its High Streets, and this scheme will be a key part of Walthamstow’s ongoing regeneration.”

Mulalley Operations Director Colin Watson said: “Mulalley is proud to be working on the St James Street restoration works. We are using our proven expertise of carrying out similar heritage works to preserve and enhance these historic buildings. We hope that residents and local businesses will be pleased with the end result and that this thriving street will be enjoyed by all for many years to come.”

Pictured: Cllr Clare Coghill and Stuart Hobley, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund with Colin Watson